Schoolteacher detained in Kushtia over 'derogatory remarks' about PM

Police detained a schoolteacher in Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia today (30 September) for allegedly making derogatory and objectionable remarks about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in a classroom.

The detained teacher, Golam Kibria Lalon, teaches Bangla at Pragpur Secondary School. He was detained from the Bheramara-Pragpur regional highway area around 11am.

According to locals, guardians and students, the incident took place around 3pm yesterday during a Bangla class of Grade 10 students.

During the class, a discussion reportedly arose about a recent Bangla-language speech delivered by the prime minister at the United Nations. Students alleged that Lalon made comments about the prime minister's Bangla pronunciation and subsequently made objectionable remarks while mentioning his name.

The comments reportedly created discontent among the students. After the class, students informed their guardians about the incident, and the matter spread in the locality.

This morning, several guardians and local residents gathered on the school premises and demanded action against the teacher.

Police later went to the school, brought the situation under control and detained Lalon.

Meanwhile, school Headteacher Ashrafuzzaman Mukul said the teacher was questioned about the matter this morning in the presence of the school's former chairman and other concerned people.

According to the headteacher, Lalon denied making any derogatory remarks.

Daulatpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Khaledur Rahman said the incident triggered discussion and tension in the area.

Further legal action would be taken after investigation into the allegations, he added.