Indian citizen holds government job in Khulna

Evidence has emerged that the head teacher of Nabarun Secondary School in Paikgachha upazila of Khulna holds Indian citizenship, raising questions over his continued employment in a government-financed educational institution despite multiple official investigations.

Deepak Chandra Sarkar, head teacher of the school, is alleged to be an Indian voter, with his name appearing on the electoral roll published by the Election Registration Office in West Bengal.

According to the records, he is listed as a resident of Barshul village under Shaktigarh police station in Purba Bardhaman district.

At the same time, he is also registered as a voter in Kharia Dhemshakhali village under Laskar Union of Paikgachha upazila.

The allegations extend beyond Sarkar himself. His wife Aparna Sarkar, daughter Joyshree Sarkar, elder brother Dulal Chandra Sarkar, sister-in-law Sushila Sarkar, younger brother Tapas Sarkar and Tapas’s wife Barnali Sarkar are also reported to be permanent residents and registered voters in India.

Sarkar denied the allegations, claiming he is solely a Bangladeshi citizen and not an Indian voter. He also rejected accusations of embezzling school funds and engaging in irregularities in recruitment.

Residents, however, allege that while his family has permanently settled in India, Sarkar has remained in Bangladesh, using the school to accumulate wealth.

They accuse him of abusing his authority, favouring associates, and taking large sums of money in exchange for appointments to the posts of cleaner, security guard and aya in 2024.

According to locals, the recruitment process was conducted discreetly. After details became public, residents organised protests, rallies and submitted memorandums demanding an investigation.

Although final selections were reportedly made for the three positions, appointment letters have yet to be issued, allegedly in violation of recruitment rules. Locals claim that around Tk 3 million changed hands during the recruitment process.