Upazila Jamaat ameer 'attempts to rape' schoolgirl, school vandalised and set on fire

The founder and head teacher of a kindergarten in Badalgachhi, Naogaon, has been accused of attempting to rape a schoolgirl.

The accused, Shafiul Hasan Dipu, is also the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami's Akkelpur Upazila unit in Joypurhat.

The allegation sparked protests, with angry locals vandalising and setting fire to parts of the school, escalating tensions in the area.

According to local sources, the alleged incident took place on Monday morning at Alpha Kindergarten School in the Bhandarpur area.

After the matter became public on Tuesday, students, guardians and local residents surrounded the school, vandalised the premises, set parts of it ablaze, blocked roads, and staged human chains and demonstrations.

Residents alleged that attendance at the school was low due to heavy rain on the day of the incident. Taking advantage of the situation, the head teacher allegedly isolated a female student and attempted to sexually assault her.

The girl later informed her family, triggering outrage among local residents. The accused has reportedly been in hiding since the incident.

The victim's father has demanded exemplary punishment for the accused.

To bring the situation under control, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ishrat Jahan Soni, Officer-in-Charge Ruhul Amin of Badalgachhi Police Station, along with members of the police and Fire Service, visited the scene.

The situation calmed after the administration assured protesters that the allegation would be thoroughly investigated and that appropriate legal action would be taken.

Swapan, chairman of Kola Union Parishad, claimed that similar allegations had previously been made against the accused. He called for the school's registration to be cancelled and demanded strict action against Shafiul Hasan Dipu.
The accused could not be reached for comment, as his mobile phone was switched off.

Hasibul Alam, Assistant Secretary of Joypurhat District Jamaat-e-Islami, said the organisation was looking into the allegation. If the accusation is found to be true, organisational action will be taken in accordance with the party's constitution, he added.

Officer-in-Charge Ruhul Amin said the victim's family had visited the police station and that legal action would be taken upon receipt of a written complaint.

The Upazila Nirbahi Officer also said the incident would be investigated and necessary action taken in accordance with the law.