Schoolteacher on job for 16 years with 'fake certificate'

A man worked as a physical education teacher in a high school for 16 years, allegedly with a fake Bachelor of Physical Education (BP-Ed) certificate.

He is Md Baset Khan, physical education teacher of Barobaishdia A Hakim High School in Rangabali upazila in the district.

School sources said the school authorities decided to appoint a physical education teacher in November, 1999. Baset Khan joined the post on January 15, 2000, after facing an interview.

Md Mokhlesur Rahman, Rangabali upazila secondary education officer, said, "As per routine, we are examining the educational qualifications of all teachers, and we found that Baset's BP-Ed certificate was fake."

"I have asked the headmaster of the school to raise the issue at the school managing committee's meeting and take steps," he said.

Md Baset Khan said the allegation against him is false.

Md Mahtab Hossain, headmaster of the school, said, "We are looking into the matter as the upazila education officer has informed us about it."

Abu Hasanat Abdullah, chairman of the managing committee, said, "We have issued a notice to the teacher to submit all his original academic certificates."

Legal steps will be taken against Baset if he fails to show valid documents in this regard, he added.