Not in Sheikh Hasina’s Name, Yet School’s Identity Repeatedly Changed Out of Vengeance

Local Correspondent 

In Kasbamajail Union of Pangsha Upazila, Rajbari, repeated changes to the name of a primary school have sparked frustration and confusion among locals. Allegations have surfaced that the name has been altered multiple times out of spite due to its resemblance to the names of political leaders.

When the school was established in 1988, its name was “Panchbaria Hasina Wazed Non-Government Primary School.” Four local families donated 33 decimals of land to establish the school, naming it after the then Primary Education Officer Munibur Rahman, his mother Hasina Begum, and father Wazed Ali. Four teachers were appointed from the donor families, one of whom, acting headmaster Alfaz Uddin, is still serving.

In 2013, during the Awami League government’s tenure, the school was nationalized along with other private institutions. However, upon receiving the gazette, it was discovered that the school’s name had been changed to “Panchbaria Hasina Wazed Government Primary School,” with the spelling of “Hasina” altered unintentionally.

Recently, after August 5, 2025, under the directive of the interim government, the name was changed again. On June 26, Thursday, a list published by the Press Wing of the Chief Advisor removed the names of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family members from 808 government establishments, including “Panchbaria Government Primary School,” omitting “Hasina Wazed.”

Acting Headmaster Alfaz Uddin said, “After receiving the gazette, I noticed the spelling of ‘Hasina’ had changed. Many assumed the name was kept to match the Sheikh family. But after August 5, a new resolution removed ‘Hasina Wazed,’ leaving only ‘Panchbaria Government Primary School.'”

Former chairman of the school management committee, Sailendranath Biswas, said, “Initially, locals agreed to name the school after the then-officer Munibur Rahman’s parents. Later, during the Awami League government, the spelling was changed in the gazette, causing confusion. Now, with another name change, students, parents, and teachers are bewildered. No one would object if the original name was restored.”

Assistant teacher Siddiqur Rahman said, “The school’s name has been changed due to political and administrative decisions, even though it honors the local donor family’s history and respect.”

Pangsha Upazila Primary Education Officer Kazi Md. Jahangir Alam stated, “Munibur Rahman submitted an appeal last week to the education advisor and secretary, clarifying that ‘Hasina Wazed’ refers to his parents, not Sheikh Hasina and her husband.”

Locals are awaiting the authorities’ decision on whether the school’s original name will be reinstated. Meanwhile, they express extreme frustration over the repeated name changes.