In a deeply troubling case from Comilla’s Brahmanpara Upazila, the head teacher of a local government primary school has been arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a fifth-grade student. Monirul Islam, 52, who serves as the principal of East Gopalnagar Government Primary School, was taken into custody by the Brahmanpara Police following allegations of abuse spanning the past year.
According to police reports and the formal complaint, Monirul Islam allegedly used his position of authority to exploit the young student on multiple occasions. The assaults reportedly occurred in the school office and library, where the teacher is said to have inappropriately touched the pupil and forced her into sexual activity. Investigators state that the principal threatened the child with severe consequences if she disclosed the abuse, including failing her exams or facing physical harm.
The case came to light in late November, after the pupil’s family noticed unusual signs in her behaviour and physical condition. Upon gentle questioning, the child disclosed that she had been repeatedly assaulted by the principal, primarily in the school library. Following this revelation, her mother lodged a formal complaint with Brahmanpara Police Station.
Acting promptly on the complaint, SI Mehedi Hasan Jewel and his team arrested Monirul Islam from his residence on the night of 18 December. Thomas Barua, the officer in charge of the investigation, confirmed the arrest and stated that the principal had been remanded to jail by court order pending further investigation.
The authorities emphasised the seriousness of the allegations, noting that the case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by children in educational environments. The police assured the public that the investigation is ongoing and that the welfare of the victim is being carefully monitored.
Local residents and education officials have expressed outrage at the incident, calling for stricter safeguards in schools. Community leaders have demanded thorough background checks for teachers, along with clear channels for reporting abuse, to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Child psychologists warn that abuse of this nature can have long-lasting emotional and psychological impacts on young children, making early intervention critical. The courage shown by the pupil in coming forward underlines the importance of creating a safe environment for children to speak out.
As the legal process continues, the community is hoping for swift justice for the young victim. Authorities have pledged to ensure a thorough investigation while implementing measures to protect students and prevent such incidents from recurring.