Viqarunnisa suspends acting principal, two other teachers

The governing body of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College on Wednesday suspended its three teachers, including Acting Principal Nazneen Ferdous, over the suicide of its student Aritree Adhikari.

The two other teachers are morning shift in-charge of Bailey Road branch Jeenat Akhter and Aritree's class teacher Hasna Hena, reports UNB.

The decision was taken at an informal meeting of the governing body held at the school in the evening, said its Chairman Golam Ashraf Talukder.

He said it was not possible to sit in a formal meeting due to the absence of the acting principal, who is also the secretary of the governing body.

"As Nazneen Ferdous is an accused in a case filed with Paltan Police Station over the suicide of Aritree, she remained absent in school on Wednesday. So, we informally discussed the issue and complied with the directives of the Education Ministry and Dhaka Education Board to suspend them," the governing body chief said, adding that the decision would be approved in the next governing body meeting.

He said the educational institution which was closed sine die following widespread protests over the suicide of the schoolgirl will continue its regular activities from Saturday.

Replying to a query, he said Wednesday's examination which was postponed will now be held on Friday while Thursday's test will be held on December 11.

Asked about Tuesday's examination, Ashraf said, "As far as I know all students attended the exam. But, if anyone remained absent in yesterday's (Tuesday) exam, the governing body will look into the matter. We'll make sure so that no student is left out."

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Education sent a letter to the police and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) directing them to take legal action against the three teachers for their rude behaviour with Aritree that prompted her to commit suicide.

The letter has been sent to the Director General of Rab and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner.

Meanwhile, the Education Ministry has sent another letter to the Dhaka Education Board Chairman for taking departmental actions, including their suspension, against the teachers.

Besides, another letter sent to the Director General of the Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Directorate asking it to take steps to suspend their salary and allowances.

The Education Ministry on Tuesday formed a three-member probe committee which found three teachers of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College responsible for the suicide of Aritree Adhikari.

The authorities of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College had also suspended the classes and examinations (from class I to XII) in all branches for an indefinite period amid growing protests of students and guardians over the suicide of Aritree Adhikari.

The students of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College resumed their demonstrations on the second consecutive day on Wednesday, demanding punishment and removal of its principal and accused teachers over the suicide of its student Aritree.

Meanwhile the probe body, formed by Education Ministry, has found three teachers of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College responsible for the suicide of Aritree Adhikari, said Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid while briefing journalists at his Secretariat office.

Aritree Adhikari, a Class-IX student, committed suicide at their Shantinagar residence in the city on Monday after being rebuked by the teachers for using mobile phone during examination.