The head teacher of Damudya Pilot Girls’ High School in Damudya upazila of Shariatpur, Sujit Karmaker, has been assaulted at the school gate. The incident occurred on Sunday morning when he was reportedly obstructed by several young men as he attempted to enter the school premises. He was later assaulted and forced into a CNG-run auto-rickshaw. The injured teacher has been admitted to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital.
According to police and school sources, Sujit Karmaker was appointed head teacher of the institution in 2013. About two years ago, a dispute emerged between him and a local group over various issues. During that period, allegations were raised by that group accusing him of harassing female students. Following the change of government in 2024, a written complaint against him was submitted to the local administration. Since 18 September 2024, he had not regularly attended the school and had reportedly been on various forms of leave.
On Sunday morning, he arrived at the school gate in a CNG-run auto-rickshaw. As soon as he stepped out of the vehicle, several young men allegedly began assaulting him. Some individuals then forced him back into the auto-rickshaw, where the assault reportedly continued inside the vehicle. The incident was reportedly recorded on mobile phones by local witnesses.
He was first taken to Damudya Upazila Health Complex in the same auto-rickshaw. However, due to security concerns, he was later moved to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, where he was admitted under medical care.
A duty doctor at Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, Farhana Daisy, confirmed that the patient was admitted with multiple injuries. She stated that he had swelling on various parts of his body, including the face, and was receiving treatment.
Speaking to Prothom Alo, head teacher Sujit Karmaker alleged that he had been receiving threats from a local group since 2024. He further claimed that Assistant Head Teacher Jamal Uddin supported the group. He said he informed the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and the Officer-in-Charge of Damudya police station before visiting the school on Sunday. He added that he intends to take legal action after receiving medical treatment.
Assistant Head Teacher Jamal Uddin denied the allegations, stating that he had heard local guardians had obstructed the head teacher from entering the school. He said there was no personal dispute between them and expressed uncertainty as to why he was being implicated.
Damudya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Jahangir Alam said they had received reports of the assault on the head teacher. However, no written complaint had been filed so far. He added that legal action would be taken if a formal complaint is submitted.
Damudya Upazila Nirbahi Officer and chairman of the school management committee, Salahuddin Ayubee, said that due to local complications, the head teacher had been unable to attend the school regularly for around two years and had been on various types of leave. He confirmed that the teacher informed him of the assault by phone and that police had been sent to the site. He also noted that no written complaint had yet been submitted.