Guardians demand removal of headmaster

Guardians formed a human chain in Goddimari area under Hatibandha upazila of the district yesterday, demanding removal of the headmaster of Goddimari High School as they said he had misappropriated students' stipends.

Noor Hossain, one of the participants in the human chain, said his daughter, a Class VIII student, didn't get full stipend money given by the government as the headmaster misappropriated 50 percent per cent of the amount in the name of buying sports equipment.

Akhimoni Akhter, a Class VII student, said she didn't get the entire stipend money this year as the headmaster took away 50 percent in the name of school's development work.

 Khademul Basuniya, a former chairman of Goddimari Union Parishad, said they will go for a tougher agitation programme if no action is taken against the headmaster within a week.

Freedom fighter Sirajul Islam said he personally met the headmaster and protested against misappropriation of students' stipend money. "Teachers of the school are also mentally harassed by the headmaster, but they don't dare to protest against him," he added.

Refuting the allegation, headmaster Ataur Rahman said some local people are conspiring against him as they don't want him as headmaster of the school. "I'm trying to do some development works at the school and ensure peaceful academic atmosphere, but I'm facing setbacks at every stage," he said.

Contacted, District Education Officer Moslem Uddin said he will take necessary steps after proper investigation if he gets a written complaint in this connection.