Principal attacked while joining college after two years in Naogaon

A principal of Abadpukur College in Raninagar, Naogaon, who was dismissed after the mass uprising, has been attacked. He was attacked on the college premises around noon on Sunday when he went to join the college after about two years following a court order. At that time, his motorcycle was vandalised and set on fire.

Eyewitnesses said Principal G M Masud Rana Jewel arrived at the college around 11:30am. While entering the college, some people tried to obstruct him. Ignoring the obstruction, he entered his room. Around 12pm, 30 to 40 people entered his room and abused him. Later, they dragged him out of the room and beat him. At one point, he fell unconscious.

Upon receiving the news, police went to the scene and brought the situation under control, rescued the principal and admitted him to Naogaon General Hospital.

Resident Medical Officer of Naogaon General Hospital, Abu Zar Gaffar, said G M Masud Rana was brought to the hospital around 1pm. He has cracks in the bones of both legs and one arm. After primary treatment, he has been admitted to the orthopaedic ward.

Speaking while undergoing treatment at the hospital, Principal Masud Rana said that after August 5, 2024, some people raised various allegations against him, humiliated him and forced him out of the college. Later, the college's governing body temporarily dismissed him. He filed a writ petition in the High Court against the dismissal order. After the hearing, the High Court ordered him to join the college.

Masud Rana alleged that when he went to join the college on Sunday, some outsiders abused him in filthy language and told him to leave the college. He ignored the obstruction and entered his room. While taking charge from acting principal Salahuddin, 30 to 40 people entered the room and attacked him. He was dragged out and beaten with sticks and rods. At one point, when he fell unconscious, the attackers left him on the college field and fled. He said he will file a case over the incident.

Speaking with teachers and students of the college, it was learned that there are allegations against Principal G M Masud Rana of taking money from various individuals in exchange for jobs. There are also allegations of misappropriating the college's funds. Following these allegations, the college's governing body temporarily dismissed him on November 18, 2024.

President of the college's governing body and Raninagar Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Rakibul Hasan said that after receiving news of the attack on the principal, he spoke with the Officer-in-Charge of the police station. Later, police went to the scene and rescued the principal and admitted him to the hospital.

Raninagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Zakaria Mandal said no complaint has yet been filed at the police station over the beating of the principal and the burning of his motorcycle. If a written complaint is received, the responsible individuals will be identified and legal action will be taken.