PANCHAGARH — A suspended madrasa principal in Panchagarh’s Atwari upazila was attacked by local activists in the presence of the upazila BNP president when he attempted to rejoin his post. At least six people, including the principal, his wife, his sister-in-law and several locals, were injured in the incident.
The incident took place Sunday afternoon beside the Panchagarh-Atwari regional road in front of Lakshmipur Islamia Alim Madrasa in Mirzapur Union of the upazila. Police later brought the situation under control and rescued the principal, taking him home. The injured received primary treatment, according to reports.
According to local sources, the madrasa’s governing committee suspended Principal Abdul Matin Sarker on May 27 last year over allegations of various irregularities. The upazila executive officer later conducted an investigation and submitted a report. Although a High Court directive requires that the suspension order be withdrawn within 60 days, the order has not been withdrawn even after a year.
In the meantime, the madrasa’s ad hoc committee bypassed the vice-principal and a senior lecturer and assigned Islamic history lecturer Abdul Hakim Sarker as acting principal. However, Abdul Hakim Sarker had previously been finally dismissed at the madrasa board’s appeal and arbitration meeting, according to sources.
In a March 8 letter signed by madrasa board registrar Prof. Saleh Ahmad, suspended principal Abdul Matin Sarker was reinstated to his post. At the same time, the proposed governing committee was canceled and the upazila executive officer was authorized to sign the salary bill.
After obtaining the opinion of the district court’s government pleader, Abdul Matin Sarker went to the madrasa Sunday morning to join. At that time, in the presence of upazila BNP president AZM Bazlur Rahman, his son Nafiur Rahman and local BNP activists allegedly obstructed his joining.
Principal Abdul Matin Sarker alleged that 20 lakh taka was demanded from him to allow him to join. Later in the afternoon, when he took shelter at a shop adjacent to the madrasa, he was chased and beaten. While leaving the area, he was attacked again with sticks. He took shelter in a local home to save his life. The homeowner, his wife and several others were also injured.
Abdul Matin Sarker said: “I went to join according to the directive of the madrasa board. I was obstructed and 20 lakh taka was demanded. Later, I was chased and beaten mercilessly with sticks. I want proper justice.”
Current acting principal Abdul Hakim Sarker said: “I am performing my duties lawfully under the direction of the current committee. Abdul Matin Sarker was suspended for irregularities. Teachers senior to me did not want to take responsibility, so I got the role.”
Upazila BNP president AZM Bazlur Rahman said: “This madrasa was founded by my grandfather. We have never exerted any influence. Abdul Matin Sarker is involved in various irregularities. The local people and teachers do not want to accept him. He said 20 lakh taka was demanded, which enraged the excited crowd. Later, I calmed the situation. We will not compromise with injustice.”
Atwari Police Station officer in charge Motiar Rahman said: “Police went to the scene, rescued the principal and brought him home safely. However, no one has filed a written complaint so far. Action will be taken if a complaint is received.”
Upazila Executive Officer Ripamoni Devi said: “I received a letter saying the principal was reinstated and authorizing the signing of the salary bill. The opinion of the district court’s government pleader was obtained on the matter. Today’s incident at the joining occurred locally. We will try to take action if a complaint is received.”
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report