BAGERHAT, May 22 (V7N) – An investigation team has been deployed to probe allegations of widespread irregularities and corruption against Sheikh Mustafizur Rahman, the Primary Education Officer of Morelganj Upazila in Bagerhat. The accusations range from mishandling of funds for educational programs and school maintenance to mistreatment of teachers and alleged involvement in transfer trading.

The investigation follows directives issued in three separate memoranda from the Director General of Education, the Deputy Director of Primary Education Khulna, and the Bagerhat District Education Department. In response, Assistant District Primary Education Officer Sukumar Mitra has instructed Rahman to be present at his office on Sunday, May 25, and has also requested the presence of the complainant teacher and other relevant parties for the investigation.

Among the specific allegations are claims that since his appointment in Morelganj Upazila, Sheikh Mustafizur Rahman has demanded a specified amount of money to clear bills for minor repairs, routine maintenance, and scrap allowances provided by the government to improve primary education quality. He is also accused of mistakes in question papers and lack of responsibility during the first temporary examination at Model No. 123 Government Primary School.

Furthermore, allegations include that Rahman pocketed funds allocated for providing clean water to students in the 2022-23 fiscal year and the clothing bill for fourth-grade office employees. It is also claimed that he ostensibly celebrated "Education Week" in the 2024-25 fiscal year without informing the Education Committee President and Upazila Executive Officer.

Md. Monirul Islam, the recently retired headmaster of Tafalbari Government Primary School No. 175 and a complainant, stated that Upazila Education Officer Sheikh Mustafizur Rahman routinely mistreated "Asha teachers" during official duties, harassing them if they did not comply with his orders. Islam also alleged that Rahman abused his power under the previous Awami League government and that he himself was humiliated by the official in front of his daughter. Islam has demanded appropriate disciplinary action against Rahman following the investigation.

When questioned about the accusations, Morelganj Upazila Primary Education Officer Sheikh Mustafizur Rahman stated he was unaware of the specific allegations but confirmed receiving a letter from the Assistant District Primary Education Officer requesting his presence on May 25.

Investigating officer Sukumar Mitra, Assistant Bagerhat District Primary Education Officer, affirmed that an investigation is underway against Rahman based on instructions from the Enforcement Authority in three memorials. He reiterated that Rahman and other individuals involved in the investigation have been asked to be present at the education office on May 25.

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