Mir Anwar Hossain Tutul :
An investigation has been initiated into the allegations of irregularities and corruption plaguing the primary education office in Mirzapur, Tangail. Reports suggest that irregularities have become institutionalized within the Mirzapur Education Office, with the influence of syndicate teacher leaders remaining unchecked. This wave of misconduct has persisted for an extended period, drawing ire from political party leaders and administrative officials alike.
Multiple entities, including the Tangail district administration, upazila administration, and investigative committees under the Directorate of Primary Education, have mobilized efforts to address the various irregularities within the education office. Tangail District Assistant Education Officer (ADPO) confirmed that an investigation committee, led by Kofil Uddin, has commenced probing allegations of corruption within the Mirzapur Upazila Primary Education Office. Victims of harassment, including teachers, education officers, assistant education officers, and office staff, are being interviewed as part of the investigative process.
Numerous teachers from different schools in the upazila have voiced grievances, alleging that corrupt teacher leaders continue to exert influence within the education office despite ongoing investigations. These leaders purportedly maintain close ties with dishonest officers within the education office, facilitating their unchecked presence and authority. Concerns have been raised regarding the manipulation of recruitment and transfer processes, with allegations implicating both teacher leaders and office officials.
The scope of irregularities encompasses a range of misconduct, including the withholding of due training arrears for assistant teachers, salary discrepancies affecting thousands of teachers, and the extortion of funds through various means. It is alleged that a select group of teacher leaders wields significant control over the office, perpetuating a culture of corruption and harassment. The victims, speaking anonymously, highlighted the misappropriation of allocated funds for development projects and the coercive tactics employed to extract money from vulnerable teachers.
Efforts are underway to address these systemic issues, with the formation of investigative committees and assurances from education officials regarding swift action against perpetrators. Upazila Primary Education Officer Md. Sharif Uddin emphasized the resolution of salary issues for affected teachers and reiterated commitments to prevent further harassment within the office.
