A headmaster in Habiganj district faces serious criminal charges following formal complaints of sexual harassment and attempted assault against a colleague on school grounds. The victim, a part-time teacher at Shahpur South Government Primary School in Madhabpur upazila, lodged a case with the Habiganj Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal on Sunday, 1 November.
Following the filing of the lawsuit, the presiding judge ordered the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to launch a comprehensive probe into the matter. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the acting headmaster, Alauddin Khan, had consistently subjected his colleague to inappropriate propositions and unwanted physical contact. The victim stated that the harassment extended beyond school hours, with the accused transmitting offensive and suggestive messages via digital messaging applications such as WhatsApp on holidays.
The situation escalated when the headmaster allegedly lured the teacher to the third floor of the school building, where he physically grabbed her and attempted a sexual assault. Although the teacher managed to escape unharmed, the accused retaliated by illegally dismissing her from her teaching position.
The allegations have sparked widespread outrage across the educational institution, leaving female staff members and students deeply concerned about workplace safety. A second female colleague has submitted a separate written complaint to the District Primary Education Office, citing persistent harassment by the same headmaster. Furthermore, a former student stepped forward with similar claims, stating that Mr Khan had offered her financial incentives via mobile banking to spend time alone with him, despite knowing she was married. When she refused, the headmaster allegedly defamed her publicly to inflict social damage.
When contacted for comment, Mr Khan denied all allegations, asserting that his detractors had manufactured false claims to undermine his reputation. However, District Primary Education Officer Md Shah Alam confirmed that administrative proceedings are under way, reassuring the public that formal legal and disciplinary actions will follow the completion of the official investigation.
