Classes hampered at Ratipur Primary School in Atghoria
Classes of Ratipur Government Primary School in Pabna's Atghoria upazila are being hampered following row over a programme of Ekushey February (February 21), between the headmaster and managing committee members.
On the day, headmaster Selina Khatun filed a case against Md Monjur Rahman, president of the school managing committee (SMC), Lutfor Rahman, vice president of the committee, two guardians' representatives at the committee, Md Sariful Islam, a teacher, and unnamed others, on charge of harassment and creating obstacle to official duty.
Earlier, the SMC members and the teachers of the school submitted separate petitions to the authorities concerned, alleging corruption and irregularities against the headmaster and an inquiry committee was formed, Md Monjur Rahman, the SMC president, told this correspondent.
On February 22, the headmaster went on leave and classes remained suspended for days.
On Thursday and Saturday, two out of five teachers and only a few students attended school.
"The headmaster ignored the opinion of the committee members, teachers, and students while observing Ekushey February. She also misbehaved with a freedom fighter. As we protested, an argument occurred. Then she filed a case with Atghoria Police Station against me and four others," the SMC president said.
"Police arrested me and I was released after three days with bail from the court. Fearing arrest, most of the teachers and several guardians went into hiding," he said.
Md Sariful Islam, an assistant teacher of the school, said, "As an inquiry was likely to start, the headmaster created a scene and remained absent from school since February 22."
Teachers, parents, students and villagers staged demonstration demanding removal of the headmaster and withdrawal of the false case, he said.
"Many parents are still too worried to send their children to school," said Lutfor Rahman, vice president of the SMC.
Bithi, Asha and a few other students alleged that the headmaster often forced them to wash dishes and clean the school ground and bathroom during the school hours.
Contacted, headmaster Selina Khatun said, "The allegations against me are false. There is conspiracy against me. I am very sick and on medical leave now."
Atghoria Upazila Primary Education Officer Sirajum Munira said, "Following allegations against Selina Khatun, an inquiry committee was formed. But the situation turned odd before the start of investigation. She sent a registered letter to me seeking one month's medical leave. We have taken initiative to resume academic activities in the school."
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