Theft, arson at govt pry school in Nilphamari

A theft and arson incident has taken place at Subarnaphuli Government Primary School in Sangalshee Union under Nilphamari Sadar upazila, with unidentified individuals accused of being involved.

According to a written complaint filed with Nilphamari Sadar Police Station, a Wi-Fi router, an Optical Network Unit (ONU) and a large solar battery were allegedly stolen from the school.

Prayer mats and hijabs used by female teachers were also allegedly set on fire, while important government documents were reportedly damaged by fire.

Acting Head Teacher Mosammat Umme Salma Naznin filed the written complaint against unidentified persons.

According to the complaint, the incident occurred at around 4:00am when the alleged intruders broke a ventilator on the rear wall of the school office and entered the room. They allegedly took away the Wi-Fi router, ONU and a large solar battery.

The complaint further stated that prayer mats and hijabs used by female teachers were set on fire. Two steel almirahs in the office were also reportedly broken open, and important official documents kept inside were allegedly set on fire.

Bimal Roy, a donor of the school land and a member of the school management committee, along with several local residents, reportedly noticed the fire inside the office. Bimal Roy then informed the acting head teacher by phone. Upon receiving the information, she rushed to the school and inspected the scene.

Later, local residents called the national emergency service 999. Police from Nilphamari Sadar Police Station subsequently visited the school and began investigating the incident.

The complaint also stated that assistant teachers Mosammat Habiba Khatun, Shanta Rani Roy and Rumi Parvin visited the scene and witnessed the alleged theft and arson.

Acting Head Teacher Umme Salma Naznin said that after informing the higher authorities, the school authorities were instructed to file a written complaint with the police seeking legal action. She said there was a delay in filing the complaint because of the time required to complete the official procedures.

Upazila Education Officer Md. Jachijul Alam Mondal said the matter would be investigated and necessary legal action would be taken based on the findings.

The school authorities have demanded a proper investigation to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.