School manager arrested over child abuse in Paltan

Police have arrested Pabitra Kumar Barua, a school manager, in connection with the abuse of a child under four at a school in Dhaka’s Nayapaltan area.

According to police, the incident took place on January 18 at Sharmin Academy, located on Mosque Road, where the child was enrolled in the pre-play class. A video of the abuse circulated on social media later that day, triggering widespread outrage.

Barua was arrested early Friday (January 23) from a residence in Mirpur by Paltan police. He is the husband of the school’s founder and principal, Sharmin Jahan.

Deputy Commissioner of Motijheel Division Mohammad Harun Or Rashid said the accused is currently in police custody at Paltan Police Station, while efforts are underway to arrest Sharmin Jahan.

Earlier, on January 22, the child’s mother filed a case under the Children Act at Paltan Police Station, naming both Pabitra Kumar Barua and Sharmin Jahan as accused, confirmed Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Khan.

The victim is a pre-play student at the school.