Dhaka, Dec 30, (V7N) - In Ashulia, Savar, a landowner’s arbitrary actions have led to the suspension of education for nearly fifty students, according to reports. The school management has lodged complaints with Ashulia Police Station, the Department of Primary Education, and other authorities, but no resolution has been found. As a result, almost fifty students at the school are now deprived of their education and nutritious meals.

On Sunday morning (December 29), it was observed that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are being deprived of their education at Swaponchura Shafat Memorial School in the West Gumail area of Ashulia, due to the unilateral actions of the landowner.

According to various sources, in 2018, Dr. Rehenuma Karim, a female entrepreneur, took the initiative to establish a school to provide quality education and nutrition to underprivileged children. As part of this effort, land in the West Gumail area, owned by Rofikul Islam's wife, Zaynab Khanam Eva, was leased for 15 years, and on this land, Heroes for All built a two-story building with a four-story foundation.

The school, named Swaponchura Shafat Memorial School, began its operations and enrolled nearly fifty students. Educational activities started in February 2023, providing education, nutritious food (milk, eggs, bananas), and free medical care to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, shortly after the school began operating, the landowner and her husband began harassing the students and their parents. Despite multiple verbal complaints from the school management, Zaynab Khanam Eva refused to stop her actions. She even removed the school’s banner and, at one point, threatened the school's caretaker and teachers, forcing them to leave. Subsequently, she locked the school building and took control of the furniture, computers, and all educational materials, halting the school’s activities altogether.

In response to these actions, Dr. Rehenuma Karim filed a case with the Ashulia Police Station on August 9 last year. The investigating officer later submitted charges against Zaynab Khanam Eva and her husband in court.

According to several students and parents, the school provided both education and nutritious meals. Despite facing threats from the landowner, the children continued to attend school, as there were no other places offering free education along with meals and healthcare. However, with the school now closed and locked, they are uncertain about where to send their children for education.

Musa Karim Ripon, the school’s administrator, explained that the school was established with the aim of providing a modern curriculum to underprivileged children. A computer lab was also set up for local youth to receive free computer training. However, after the school began operations, Zaynab Khanam Eva and her husband attempted to take control of the building. Legal notices were issued to them at least three times, and a fraud case was filed. Ripon called for the intervention of the relevant authorities, stating that without their assistance, the future of nearly fifty underprivileged students would remain uncertain.

On the other hand, Zaynab Khanam Eva, the landowner, stated that she leased the land for 15 years but they had failed to pay rent properly. She claimed that there was an outstanding rent of 12-13 months, which led her to evict them. She also accused the school authorities of harassing her and her husband, adding that a case had been filed against her husband, leading to his imprisonment.

She further explained that the case is currently under a High Court stay order, and they continue to face harassment despite this.

However, Musa Karim Ripon maintained that, after the agreement was made, the school had paid rent for four years, but despite this, Zaynab Khanam Eva and her husband took control of the entire building for their own use.

Savar Upazila Education Officer, Najmush Shihah, stated that he was unaware of this issue and that no one had reported it to him so far.

END/MSS/AJ/