Sramik Dal leader locks Barishal Education Board offices opposing appointment of 2 officials

Barishal Education Board Employees' Union President Shahidul Islam locked the offices of two newly appointed officials yesterday (2 March), protesting their joining over alleged political affiliations.

Shahidul, who also serves as the general secretary of Barishal Metropolitan Sramik Dal, allegedly led the protest due to his recommended applicants not being appointed.

According to board sources, the Ministry of Education appointed Md Kamruzzaman Kamal as deputy controller of examinations and Hasan Mahmud as deputy school inspector. As per the order, they arrived on Sunday to assume their roles.

However, Shahidul Islam and his followers locked their designated rooms and staged demonstrations.

Professor Md Yunus Ali Siddiqui, chairman of Barishal Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board, stated, "All those transferred or appointed to the education board are finalised after investigations by the ministry and intelligence agencies. Still, there are allegations that the two officers are affiliated with the Awami League, and employees have protested over this."

He added that not allowing deputed officials to take charge of key positions could tarnish the board's image.

"After verification over the last few days, it appears that opposition groups are spreading confusion. In reality, anyone not aligned with the board employees' recommendations is being labelled a fascist. This matter will be discussed with the ministry, and strict action will be taken," he said.

Shahidul Islam defended the protests, stating, "Deputy Controller of Examinations Kamruzzaman Kamal is a direct ally of fascism. He was a member of the BM College Teachers' Council, formed by former Barishal mayor and Awami League leader Serniabat Sadiq Abdullah, without teachers' votes. Additionally, we have learned that Hasan Mahmud, the Deputy School Inspector from Jashore, was a leader of the pro-Awami League Swadhinata Teachers' Association. Allies of fascists will not be given shelter in the board."

Denying the allegations, Kamruzzaman Kamal said, "The rooms were locked to prevent us from joining. However, the board chairman later unlocked them."

Hasan Mahmud also refuted the claims, stating, "The allegations brought against us are not correct."

According to board employees, after news spread that the newly appointed officials were being prevented from joining, Afroza Khanam Nasrin, joint convener of the Metropolitan BNP, visited the board and assisted the officers in taking charge as per the ministry's directive.

There are previous allegations against Shahidul Islam of confining the board chairman when Shahidul's preferred candidate was not appointed as the president of a school.

Sources indicate that Shahidul, the elder brother of banned Chhatra League leader Imran Sikder, had influence over the board during the Awami League regime through his younger brother. Following the fall of the Awami League, he is now reportedly using his position within his own party to exert influence.