Jhalakathi, Apr 22 (V7N)- Saharum Mia, the controversial and influential headmaster of No. 89 North Banshbunia Adarsh ​​Government Primary School in Kathalia Upazila, has finally been suspended following investigations that substantiated numerous allegations of irregularities and corruption against him.

The suspension order, issued by Barisal Divisional Deputy Director Nilufar Yasmin, was effective from Wednesday, April 16th. The letter cited Section 39(1) of the Government Services Act, 2018, and Rule 12(1) of the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeals) Regulations, leading to his temporary removal from government service. During his suspension, he will receive a subsistence allowance as per regulations.

The news of Saharum Mia's suspension became public on Tuesday, April 22nd. Upazila Primary Education Officer Md. Aminul Islam confirmed the development.

Numerous complaints had been lodged against Saharum Mia with various departments, including the Education Department, detailing a range of alleged misconduct. These included drawing salary and allowances by fraudulently signing the attendance register, claiming three consecutive fatigue and entertainment allowances within the same fiscal year, behaving improperly with senior officials and colleagues, extorting Tk 400,000 from Imran Hossain Rimon under the false pretense of securing him a job, misappropriating Tk 500,000 from businessman Abul Khair Lucky Jamaddar, and taking Tk 130,000 from a visually impaired individual, Jalal Hawladar, with a false promise related to the sale of the old school building without a tender. Additionally, he was accused of taking Tk 70,000 from Minti Rani with a false promise of land ownership.

Following these complaints, the Department of Education and the district administration conducted on-site investigations, which reportedly corroborated the allegations, leading to his temporary suspension.

Furthermore, Saharum Mia is allegedly in default on loans amounting to Tk 1 million from Sonali Bank, Tk 1.5 million from Rupali Bank, Tk 250,000 from Agrani Bank, and Tk 500,000 from local NGO deposits. He is also accused of borrowing money at interest from various individuals. The Sonali Bank Kathalia branch manager has reportedly filed a case against him in court regarding the outstanding loan.

Adding to the controversy, Saharum Mia allegedly seduced and married Chania Akhter, an assistant teacher at Abdus Chomed Secondary School and the wife of another man, leading to a dispute between the two families where Saharum Mia's hand was reportedly broken by Chania's relatives.

Sonali Bank branch manager Md. Mansur Ahmed confirmed the lawsuit against Saharum Mia for loan default, stating that the matter is ongoing.

Victim Abul Khair Lucky Jamaddar alleged that when he demanded his money back, he received threats, sometimes involving the names of former Awami League MP Shahjahan Omar and former Barisal Mayor Sadiq Abdullah, including threats of false legal cases.

Attempts to reach Saharum Mia for his statement were unsuccessful as his mobile phone was switched off.

A teacher, speaking anonymously, condemned Saharum Mia's actions as unbecoming of an educator and a disgrace to the teaching community.

Upazila Primary Education Officer Md. Aminul Islam reiterated that Saharum Mia's behavior was inappropriate for a teacher and that his temporary suspension was a consequence of the numerous complaints received.

Upazila Executive Officer Md. Zahirul Islam confirmed that the headmaster faced accusations of misconduct with school officials, education officers, and colleagues, as well as defaulting on loans from banks, NGOs, and individuals, leading to his reported temporary suspension.

END/AIJ/RH/