ACC approves two cases against Rashed Khan Menon, 56 others over irregularities at Wills Little Flower School
The investigation found that 31 teachers were illegally promoted without any legal basis
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has approved the filing of two cases against former lawmaker Rashed Khan Menon and 56 others over proven allegations of large-scale irregularities and corruption in teacher recruitment and promotion at Wills Little Flower School and College.
ACC Deputy Director Aktarul Islam confirmed the matter to journalists today (22 December).
According to the ACC, investigations found evidence of recruitment and promotion trading, abuse of power and misappropriation of institutional funds involving members of the governing body and other concerned individuals.
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ACC sources said that appointments were made despite the absence of legal authority to form a special governing committee. The recruitment board was constituted without the inclusion of the Directorate General of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) director or his representative, as well as subject-based teachers, in violation of rules.
Candidates without the required NTRCA certification were allowed to participate in the recruitment process, despite the advertisement specifying the requirement. The candidate who secured the highest marks in the written examination was reportedly barred from appearing in the viva voce, while appointment and joining letters were issued even before the recruitment process was fully completed.
The ACC said that through these irregular and deceptive practices, a deliberately manipulated recruitment examination was conducted to appoint 13 pre-selected candidates as teachers. As a result, approval has been given to file a case against 20 people, including Rashed Khan Menon, under Sections 409, 420 and 109 of the Penal Code, 1860, and Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.
In a separate finding, the ACC said appointment letters issued to assistant teachers in the school section clearly stated that MPO-enlisted private school service rules would apply. Under those rules, school teachers are eligible for promotion up to the post of senior teacher, with no provision for promotion to lecturer positions.
However, the investigation found that 31 teachers were illegally promoted without any legal basis. The ACC approved another case against 37 people, including Rashed Khan Menon, on charges of irregularity, corruption, fraud and abuse of power in connection with these promotions.
In total, the ACC has approved the filing of two separate cases in connection with the recruitment and promotion irregularities at Wills Little Flower School and College.
