Female Teacher Assaulted While Protecting Minority Headmaster in Bangladesh

NILPHAMARI, Nov. 20 – A female teacher at Kundapukur High School in Nilphamari has filed a complaint alleging that she was physically assaulted while trying to protect the school’s minority headmaster during an altercation with colleagues.

Moushumi Akter, an assistant Bengali teacher, claimed in her Nov. 19 complaint to Nilphamari Sadar Police Station that four male teachers—Jikrul Haque, Arifuzzaman Shah, Saiful Islam, and ‍ another teacher assaulted her and tore her clothing during a dispute on Nov. 12.

The incident occurred in the office of Headmaster Dwijendra Nath Roy, a member of a minority community, when the accused teachers reportedly pressured him to sign a forged resolution. Roy refused, prompting the teachers to allegedly assault him. Akter and another teacher intervened, leading to the alleged attack on her.

According to school staff, the conflict is rooted in a years-long dispute over teacher appointments. Akter was hired through proper government procedures, but allegations have surfaced that local education officials were supporting one of the accused, Jikrul Haque, for salary approval despite his appointment being unofficial.

Radha Sarker, another teacher, said she was injured while trying to stop the scuffle.

Jikrul Haque denied the allegations, claiming the issue had already been resolved.

Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge M. R. Saeed confirmed receiving the complaint and said an investigation is underway.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ashraful Haque, who also serves as the school’s managing committee chairman, said both parties had been advised to seek an amicable resolution, but legal action would follow if necessary.

District Education Officer Hafizur Rahman stated that the police would determine the next steps based on their findings.