Two primary school teachers in Kawkhali upazila under Pirojpur district have been temporarily suspended following allegations of sexual harassment involving a fifth-grade student and a female assistant teacher. The disciplinary measures were enforced after preliminary investigations substantiated the accusations. Acting District Primary Education Officer Md Anisur Rahman confirmed the suspensions through separate official orders issued on Tuesday, 10 November. The incident has caused widespread outrage across the upazila, raising concerns over safety within educational institutions.
The suspended educators have been identified as Litton Chandra Paul, an assistant teacher at Subidpur Government Primary School No. 34, and Mohammad Zubair Rahman, acting headmaster at West Jibga Government Primary School No. 50. According to official complaints, Litton Chandra Paul summoned a fifth-grade female pupil into the school library during the tiffin break on 4 November and physically assaulted her. The victim’s family reported that the teacher inappropriately touched the girl and forcibly held her. Following a written complaint submitted by the student’s mother to the Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) on 8 November, an immediate inquiry was launched. The investigation report corroborated the allegations, leading to his temporary suspension in line with public service rules. Officials noted that Paul had previously faced complaints regarding administrative irregularities and misconduct towards the headmaster.
In a separate case, Mohammad Zubair Rahman faced allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour directed at a female assistant teacher working under his supervision at West Jibga Government Primary School. A preliminary investigation conducted by local authorities validated the victim’s claims. Recognising the potential for further disruption to the academic environment, the authorities promptly suspended the acting headmaster from his duties.
Upazila Primary Education Officer Wahidur Rahman stated that prompt investigative proceedings were conducted immediately after receiving the complaints. He affirmed that the suspension orders were formally issued by the district primary education office based on the findings of the inquiry. Upazila Executive Officer Rehena Akter reinforced the administration’s stance, stating that stringent legal measures would be taken against any misconduct. She reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to ensuring a safe, secure, and conducive learning environment across all educational institutions in the region.
