Teachers demand removal of 'corrupt' principal

25 March 2009, 18:00 PM

Our Correspondent, Patuakhali

Teachers and students of BLP Degree College form a human chain in front of Patuakhali deputy commissioner's office yesterday demanding removal of 'corrupt' Principal Abdul Malek. Photo: STAR

Teachers and students of BLP Degree College under Patuakhali Sadar upazila yesterday formed a human chain in front of the deputy commissioner's (DC) office demanding removal of college Principal Abdul Maleq Akon who faces allegation of corruption. Over 50 teachers and 100 students joined the human chain and later submitted a memorandum to the education minister through the deputy commissioner demanding removal of the principal and legal action against him for his alleged corruption. On Mach 15, all 64 teachers of the college filed a written complaint with the deputy commissioner, also the chairman of college governing body, alleging corruption like cash looting and other irregularities against the principal. In retaliation for teachers' complaint, the principal stopped payment of salary to 18 teachers and allegedly hired some goons who assaulted 10 teachers at the college the following day. As the teachers filed a case with Sadar Police Station against Principal Abdul Maleq the same day, he went into hiding, putting the office and classrooms under lock and key. After receiving teachers' complaint on March 15, the DC formed a one-member body headed by Abdul Mannan, ADC (General) of Patuakhali to probe the allegation against the principal. The DC also asked the probe body to submit its report within seven days, but the body did not submit the report as of yesterday. When contacted, ADC Abdul Mannan said the principal sought extension of time until April 5 to give his statement and he had given time extension as prayed for.