District Commissioner Sumoni Akter announced two probe teams after students raised claims of money misuse and poor school services.
Students of Natore Government Girls’ High School protested on Wednesday, 7 October. They demanded the removal of the headteacher over alleged money misuse, poor management and weak school services.
The protest began at about 10am and continued until 12:30pm. Students stood at the main gate and inside the school. They also blocked a road for a short time.
Later, District Commissioner Sumoni Akter said the headteacher would be sent on leave. She also announced two probe teams to examine the claims and the school’s study setting.
The students had made the same demands on 4 October. They stopped the protest for three days after the local administration gave them assurances that the claims would be checked.
The students said the school had several problems. They alleged that classes were not held on a regular basis. They also complained about poor tiffin, dirty rooms and toilets that could not be used.
The students also said they could not use the digital lab as needed. They alleged that money set aside for sports was not reaching them.
They demanded the headteacher’s transfer and a fair probe. They also sought a better study setting at the school.
Earlier, the Additional District Commissioner of Natore visited the school. He assured the students that steps would be taken after a probe.
On Wednesday, Sumoni Akter visited the school. She is also the president of the school management committee. She said two teams would look into the money claims and the school’s study setting.
She also said the issue would be sent to the Directorate of Education. During the protest, students stopped her vehicle and chanted slogans. Police later helped her leave the school.
An argument also took place between the district commissioner and journalists. It followed a sarcastic remark by the commissioner about the presence of reporters.
The headteacher did not comment on the allegations. The announced probes will now examine the claims raised by the students.
