Head Teacher Assaulted at School Gate in Shariatpur

Sujit Kormokar, the headteacher of Damudya Pilot Girls’ High School in the Shariatpur district, was physically assaulted by a group of youths outside the school gates on Sunday morning. The attackers blocked his entry into the premises, assaulted him, and forced him into a three-wheeled motorised auto-rickshaw, where the physical abuse continued. Mr Kormokar has been admitted to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital for medical treatment. Local onlookers recorded footage of the assault on their mobile phones.

Background and Prior Disputes

According to the local police and school administration, Mr Kormokar was appointed as the headteacher of the institution in 2013. A dispute arose approximately two years ago between him and a local faction that accused him of harassing female students. Following a political change of government in 2024, this group lodged a formal written complaint against him with the local administration. Consequently, Mr Kormokar had not attended the school since 18 September 2024, remaining absent by utilising various categories of institutional leave.

Prior to his return on Sunday, Mr Kormokar had officially notified the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the local police station of his intention to resume his duties. However, upon arriving at the school gates by auto-rickshaw, he was immediately intercepted and assaulted.

Medical Condition and Responses

Following the attack, Mr Kormokar initially sought refuge at the Damudya Upazila Health Complex. Citing a lack of adequate security at the facility, he transferred to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, where his relatives arranged for his formal admission.

Dr Farhana Daisy, an emergency department physician at Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, confirmed his clinical status:

“We have admitted an individual named Sujit Kormokar. He has sustained physical trauma across various parts of his body. His face and several other areas are visibly swollen. We are currently administering the necessary medical treatment.”

Conflicting Statements from School Officials

Speaking from his hospital bed, Mr Kormokar alleged that a local circle had been issuing threats against him since the 2024 change of government. He stated:

“The assistant headteacher of the school, Jamal Uddin, was providing support to that faction. Due to a lack of security, I could not attend the school for a long time. Recently, I informed the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and the Officer-in-Charge of the police station before going to the school today. Members of that circle beat me severely at the school gate. I will take legal action against them after completing my treatment.”

Conversely, the assistant headteacher, Jamal Uddin, denied any involvement in the incident or collusion with the attackers, stating:

“I heard that some local guardians blocked our headteacher as he was entering the school and prevented him from going inside. I have no dispute with the headteacher. I do not understand why he is holding me responsible for these events.”

Administrative and Police Actions

Salahuddin Aiyubi, the Damudya Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and the president of the school’s managing committee, confirmed that Mr Kormokar had been absent for nearly two years on various leaves due to local complications. He stated that the headteacher called him by telephone to report the assault, prompting the immediate dispatch of police personnel to the scene.

The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Damudya Police Station, Mohammad Jahangir Alam, confirmed receipt of the assault report. He noted that the injured headteacher had not yet filed a formal written complaint, adding that definitive legal steps would be initiated as soon as a written statement is received.

Summary of Incident and Personnel Involved

The table below outlines the core parameters, timelines, and institutional roles related to the assault incident at Damudya Pilot Girls’ High School: