Teacher Assault Allegation Sparks Political Tension in Joypurhat

A primary school headteacher in Joypurhat’s Akkelpur upazila has alleged that he was assaulted and humiliated by a local political leader during a dispute over the formation of a school management committee, prompting a formal complaint and demands for justice.

The incident centres on Rouair Government Primary School, where the formation of the management committee recently led to heightened tensions within the local community. Headteacher Md Azadur Rahman has accused Harunur Rashid, the president of Ward No. 9 of the Rukindipur Union unit of the BNP, of physically assaulting him and attempting to interfere in the election process.

According to the headteacher, elections for parent representatives to the committee were held on 15 June, resulting in the selection of two male and two female members through consensus. He claims that shortly after the process concluded, Harunur Rashid began pressuring school authorities to alter the list of elected members and replace them with individuals of his choice.

In a written statement presented at a press briefing on Friday morning, the headteacher alleged that on 21 June, Harunur Rashid entered the school office along with Shahnewaz, Atiar Rahman and a local Awami League leader, Mir Md Atikuzzaman Mun. He said the group demanded to review election documents and again pressed for changes to the committee list.

When he refused to comply, the headteacher alleged that Harunur Rashid removed his shoe and struck him on the face, followed by threats and verbal intimidation. He further stated that the assault left him with injuries to his ear, requiring medical attention. A written complaint was later filed with Akkelpur Police Station on 22 June, with copies also sent to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and the Upazila Primary Education Officer.

The headteacher also alleged that an assistant upazila education officer later threatened him with a punitive transfer to Bandarban, though the official has denied making any such remark.

Harunur Rashid has rejected all allegations, calling them false, politically motivated and intended to damage his reputation. Shahnewaz and Atiar Rahman have also denied any involvement in violence, claiming they visited the school only to help ease tensions surrounding the committee formation. They alleged that the headteacher was attempting to install a partisan candidate as committee president, which they opposed.

Assistant Upazila Primary Education Officer and presiding officer of the committee election, Imran Hossain, confirmed that he had been informed of the alleged assault and forwarded the matter to higher authorities, while denying claims of issuing transfer threats.

Upazila Primary Education Officer Siddiqur Rahman said a copy of the complaint had been received and that the matter is currently under police investigation, limiting immediate administrative action.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ashik-ur-Rahman also confirmed receipt of the complaint and said the issue would be reviewed.