Principal dragged out of office, beaten by attackers inside college campus

A group of attackers entered the campus of the historic Government Adiabad Islamia High School and College in Raipura upazila, Narsingdi, and assaulted Principal Md Nur Sakhawat Hossain. The attackers dragged him out of his office and beat him. A video of the incident later went viral on social media.

The incident took place on Sunday morning, April 19. The victim teacher has named two individuals, who are reportedly involved in local BNP politics.

Witnesses and locals said the principal arrived at the college around 9:30 am and was working in his office. At that time, a group led by local resident Amjad Hossain entered the campus and stormed into the principal's room, hurling obscene abuses at him. The attackers then physically assaulted and humiliated him, dragging him out of his office to the corridor and punching and kicking him indiscriminately. When other teachers and staff rushed to the scene hearing the commotion, the attackers left after threatening to kill the principal. Raipura Police later arrived and brought the situation under control.

Teachers and students have expressed anger and fear following the incident, demanding swift arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved.

Principal Nur Sakhawat Hossain said, "A group led by Amjad Hossain and Nazmul Hossain Badal entered my office and demanded a large sum of money as extortion. When I expressed inability to pay, the attackers immediately assaulted me. As teachers and staff came forward, they threatened to kill me and fled. A written complaint has been filed at Raipura Police Station."

A 45-second video of the incident has since spread on Facebook, showing several people dragging the principal by his trousers while shouting phrases like "No, I was saying no" and "Grab him."

The accused, Nazmul, is the general secretary of Adiabad Union BNP, while Amjad Hossain is the joint general secretary.

Earlier, on January 26, guardians, former and current students had formed a human chain in front of the college demanding the reinstatement of Principal Nur Sakhawat Hossain. At that time, protesters alleged that Union BNP General Secretary Nazmul Haque and his supporters attacked the human chain. Journalists who went to cover that incident were also attacked.

Multiple phone calls to Amjad Hossain for comment went unanswered.

Regarding the allegations, Adiabad Union BNP General Secretary Nazmul Haque Badal told the media, "I do not know anything about today's incident. I work at an organisation in Dhaka. I do not know if anyone from the area went."

Raipura Police Station OC Mojibur Rahman said, "Police have been sent to the spot. The situation is currently normal. The college principal has filed a written complaint. Legal action will be taken following investigation."