Teacher Assault Case Triggers Investigation in Shariatpur School

A government primary school in Shariatpur’s Vedarganj upazila has come under scrutiny after allegations emerged that an assistant teacher physically assaulted the head teacher following a dispute over leave approval, prompting the authorities to form an investigation committee.

The incident took place at Abbas Ali Government Primary School on Thursday morning and has since sparked widespread discussion after a 1 minute 44 second video of the confrontation circulated on social media.

According to the complaint filed by head teacher Ali Asad Mia, assistant teacher Delwar Hossain became aggressive after his request for leave was refused. The head teacher later lodged a written complaint with the local police station and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Abubakar Siddique. In response, the administration has formed a three-member committee to investigate the matter.

Sources from the Upazila Primary Education Office and local authorities said Ali Asad Mia joined the school as head teacher in May 2024, while Delwar Hossain had been appointed as an assistant teacher in January 2023. Over time, tensions reportedly developed between the two over personal and administrative matters. At one stage, Delwar Hossain was temporarily attached to another nearby school on deputation for six months before returning to Abbas Ali Government Primary School in January this year.

Eyewitnesses said the incident unfolded around 9am when Delwar Hossain entered the head teacher’s office carrying his young child and requested leave. When the head teacher declined the request, citing an official meeting scheduled with the assistant primary education officer, an argument broke out. The situation quickly escalated and allegedly turned physical, with other teachers stepping in to separate them.

The circulating footage shows the head teacher working in his office with several colleagues when the assistant teacher enters, sits briefly, and later stands up to confront him. The video further shows commotion inside the room as other staff attempt to intervene. Following the altercation, the head teacher left the office, while the assistant teacher is seen throwing chairs and papers in frustration.

Speaking to local media, head teacher Ali Asad Mia alleged that the assistant teacher had previously been irregular in attendance and had displayed inappropriate behaviour, which had contributed to earlier disciplinary action and his temporary transfer. He claimed the refusal of leave on Thursday triggered the assault.

Delwar Hossain, however, presented a different account, alleging that personal family disputes and emotional distress influenced his behaviour. He stated that he had sought leave to take his ill five-year-old son for medical treatment, and that repeated denial of leave led to a loss of composure.

A senior assistant primary education officer, Al Mujahid, confirmed that an on-site inquiry had been conducted following the complaint and that a report would be submitted to the district education authorities for further action.

Vedarganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Abubakar Siddique said a formal complaint had been received and that a three-member committee had been formed to investigate the incident. Based on the findings, recommendations for departmental action will be forwarded to the Directorate of Primary Education.