Govt investigating Viqarunnisa affairs

Dhaka, July 14 (bdnews24.com)?The government has launched an inquiry into the beleaguered Viqarunnisa Noon School and College as crisis deepened at the top of one of the premier institutions in Dhaka.

Education minister Nurul Islam Nahid blamed 'some opportunists' for the disturbing developments over the 'replacement' of principal Hosne Ara.

Tension had been running high after Bashundhara campus teacher Parimal Jayadhar was charged in a criminal case allegedly raping a 10th-grade student. Fears flowered into a full-blown crisis when the governing body in a questionable meeting replaced the principal with senior teacher Ambia Khatun on Wednesday.

Students had been boycotting classes at the Baily Road main campus since Thursday morning.

Minister Nahid told reporters on Thursday a three-member committee, headed by Dhaka education board inspector, has been formed to investigate the chaos the institution has plunged into.

The two other members of the committee are school inspector and deputy examination controller (confidential), Nahid said.

"Steps will be taken to resolve the problem once the committee submits its report," he added but did not say how much time the committee was given.

"Two cakes were cut in front of the students of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College in the midst of mourning programmes (over the deaths in Mirsarai). It makes it clear that some people tried to cash in on the situation.

"The committee will investigate the matter, too."

On Wednesday, teachers and students accorded a reception to Ambia Khatun who 'replaced' principal Hosne Ara following a decision taken by five members of the 11-strong governing body.

Cakes were cut at the reception, too.

Later in the day, the government dissolved the governing body, the chief of which, Rashed Khan Menon, is abroad now.

Nahid said, "The governing committee is illegal as it had run its term. Also, they failed to hold election in time and tackle the situation.

"There are 11 members in the governing body. The chairman and the acting chairman do not know anything about the meeting (in which the decision to replace Hosne Ara with Ambia Khatun was taken). It is clear that the meeting was pre-planned," the minister said.

One allegation has it that BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia's former personal secretary Zakirul Islam prompted the members of the governing body to take the decision.

About the reception, the minister said, "The students celebrated without understanding anything."

He said the ad hoc committee that took charge of the institution on Wednesday would take steps in line with rules and regulations. "They will hold an election within six months or earlier, if they want to."

"The names of the other members of the committee will be declared [Thursday]," he said, "The committee will start work on Sunday."

Nahid also said his ministry was doing nothing to replace anyone with someone else for the post of principal at the institution.

Earlier in the day, the education minister said Hosne Ara still holds the office of principal as per the law.

Ambia Khatun who 'replaced' her went to the ministry.

bdnews24.com/nih/si/ost/bd/1426h

View the original article here