Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 14th May 2026, 7:52 PM
A headteacher of Rupshi High School in Austomonisha Union under Bhangura Upazila has been accused of travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj with a pilgrimage group for the third time without taking official leave.
According to relevant sources, headteacher Saidur Rahman is engaged as a mouallim with a Hajj agency and has previously travelled to Saudi Arabia accompanying pilgrimage groups.
It is further reported that this year he departed for Saudi Arabia on 23 April with a group of 18 pilgrims. Allegations suggest that he receives a commission of between BDT 20,000 and 30,000 per pilgrim through the agency. It is also claimed that he has been involved in such activities for a prolonged period.
Under clause 11.17 of the MPO regulations, an MPO-enlisted teacher is prohibited from receiving financial benefits from any other public or private organisation, with provisions for cancellation of MPO benefits and disciplinary action in case of violation.
The case has raised questions regarding leave approval procedures and administrative compliance. The key reported details are summarised below:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Teacher | Saidur Rahman, Headteacher, Rupshi High School |
| Location | Austomonisha Union, Bhangura Upazila |
| Allegation | Hajj travel without official leave and receiving commission |
| Travel date | 23 April |
| Number of pilgrims | 18 |
| Role | Mouallim in a Hajj agency |
| Reported commission | BDT 20,000–30,000 per pilgrim |
| Regulatory concern | Alleged violation of MPO clause 11.17 |
When contacted regarding the allegations, the headteacher could not be reached directly. His son, who received the call, stated that his father was in Saudi Arabia for Hajj. He also mentioned that there had been issues with the agency and that the headteacher had travelled initially with 18 pilgrims, with more expected to join later. He further stated that administrative complications had arisen regarding leave approval for the current year.
Repeated attempts to contact the headteacher via an IMO number were unsuccessful, and messages remained unanswered.
Rashidul Islam, Assistant Headteacher of the institution, stated that the headteacher had travelled for Hajj previously as well. He added that no formal resolution had been passed and that he had been verbally assigned responsibilities in the headteacher’s absence. He also noted that the return date was unknown.
Upazila Secondary Education Officer Md Atikuzzaman stated that he was not aware whether the headteacher had travelled for Hajj. He said that prior approval from the union parishad chairman, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, and the managing committee should have been obtained before proceeding on leave, but this reportedly did not occur. He added that the education office does not hold authority to grant such leave and confirmed that the matter would be reported to higher authorities.
Former acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer and school governing body president Mizanur Rahman stated that he was not aware of previous Hajj travel by the headteacher. He further said that granting leave for Hajj does not fall under his authority. According to him, no leave was approved, although a leave application was reportedly submitted at the office the day before departure, which was not sanctioned.
The newly appointed Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Md Arifuzzaman, stated that he was not aware of the matter and that necessary action would be taken after a full review.
District Education Officer Abdur Razzak stated that approval from the district education office is not required for teachers seeking leave for Hajj, as such permissions are granted by the school management committee. However, he added that it would be investigated whether the teacher is formally employed by a Hajj agency, noting that MPO-enlisted teachers are not permitted to hold other employment.
Comments