Allegations of Attempted Assault against Jamaat Leader and School Founder

A disturbing incident has emerged from Naogaon, Bangladesh, where a headmaster and founder of an educational institution stands accused of attempting to sexually assault a female student. The accused individual has been identified as 50-year-old Shafiul Hasan Dipu, who serves as the founder and headmaster of Alpha Kindergarten in the Bhandarpur area under Badalgachhi Police Station. Party and local sources indicate that Dipu is a prominent figure in the region, holding the position of Amir of the Akkelpur Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami, while also serving as a local Kazi (marriage registrar) in the Kola Union.

According to police and local eyewitnesses, the event took place on Monday morning. Due to persistent morning rains, student attendance at Alpha Kindergarten was significantly lower than usual. Taking advantage of the quiet environment, the headmaster allegedly isolated the victim, physically grabbed her, and behaved inappropriately. The brave young girl managed to push her attacker away, escape the school premises, and immediately inform her family about the trauma she had just endured.

News of the incident spread rapidly across the community, sparking widespread anger and outrage among residents, parents, and fellow students:

• Escalation and Arson: Enraged locals and students surrounded the school premises, leading to vandalism and setting fire to parts of the educational institution. Fire service personnel and local police quickly arrived at the scene to extinguish the flames and restore order. The accused headmaster went into hiding shortly after the victim reported his actions.

• Protests and Blockades: Demonstrators blocked roads and organized human chains near the Bhandarpur intersection, demanding swift legal action and immediate justice.

Official Response and Community Reaction

In response to the volatile situation, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ishrat Jahan Soni and Badalgachhi Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ruhul Amin promptly visited the spot. They engaged with the protesters and assured them that a thorough investigation would be conducted without delay, urging everyone to maintain peace.

Local leaders and residents have expressed deep concern over the headmaster’s track record. Shahinul Islam Swapan, the Chairman of Kola Union, stated that the accused has faced previous allegations involving inappropriate behavior with women and questionable activities regarding child marriages. He strongly advocated for the cancellation of Dipu’s marriage registry license and the immediate revocation of the school’s registration. Parents have voiced overwhelming anxiety, pointing out that if educational institutions and teachers cannot guarantee safety, families are left with no secure options for their children’s education.

Authority figures, including UNO Ishrat Jahan Soni and OC Ruhul Amin, confirmed that the victim’s family has approached the police station to lodge an official complaint. A formal investigation is currently underway to hold the perpetrator accountable under the law.