Jhalokathi, Jan 16, (V7N) - In a shocking incident at Nathullabad Secondary School in Jhalokathi Sadar Upazila, the headmaster, Md. Tofazzel Hossain, was physically assaulted by angry students and local residents on Thursday, January 16, after he allegedly beat eight female students. The students were reportedly hit with a stick during a rehearsal for the school’s annual sports competition dance event. As a result of the attack, some of the students lost consciousness and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
 
The incident occurred during a time of growing tension in the school. For the past few days, there had been a dispute over the formation of the school’s management committee, which had divided local political groups. Tensions escalated when Mr. Hossain, affiliated with the Awami League, reportedly submitted a new committee list that included political allies. This caused dissatisfaction among parents, students, and local leaders, especially those from the opposition BNP, who felt their opinions were being ignored.
 
As news of the headmaster’s actions spread, students and parents gathered at the school to protest. They demanded his resignation and legal action against him. In response, Jhalokathi Sadar Upazila’s Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate, Md. Saiful Islam, along with police, intervened and rescued the headmaster, who was locked in the school library.
 
To de-escalate the situation, Mr. Hossain was made to sign his resignation letter inside the magistrate's car while surrounded by the protesting crowd. After he signed, the crowd dispersed, and the road was cleared.
 
Eight students were injured in the incident, with four requiring hospitalization at Jhalokathi Sadar Hospital. They were treated for their injuries and their condition is now stable. The headmaster, who also sustained injuries during the assault, was later transferred to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barisal for further treatment.
 
According to local sources, the conflict stemmed from ongoing disputes over the school's management committee. Recently, there had been allegations of corruption involving the headmaster. Local sources mentioned that he was accused of charging extra fees, misappropriating funds, and favoring his political allies in school matters.
 
The headmaster’s actions reportedly included appointing politically motivated members to the management committee, which led to opposition protests. An objection letter signed by several local leaders and guardians was submitted to the district administration, accusing the headmaster of corruption and improper conduct.
 
Local residents, including former students, have criticized the headmaster’s leadership. One former student and retired military member, Mr. Sabbir Hossain, stated that the headmaster had a long history of misconduct and political favoritism. Mr. Hossain’s actions of beating the students were seen as an emotional outburst in response to the political tensions surrounding the management committee.
 
In the wake of the incident, the local police and district administration have promised to investigate the matter further and take appropriate legal action.
 
The injured students, mostly from grades seven to nine, expressed their fear and shock after the incident. One of the injured students, Janati Begum from grade nine, shared that the headmaster started beating them suddenly during the rehearsal, causing panic among the students.
 
The legal advisor and potential candidate for the school management committee, Md. Al Amin Howlader, criticized the headmaster’s actions and political interference in the school’s management. He stated that the headmaster had created chaos in the school and manipulated the committee formation process.
 
Regarding the incident, Assistant Commissioner Md. Saiful Islam confirmed that the headmaster was assaulted by the public and forced to resign. He assured that a thorough investigation would take place, and the authorities would take legal action as necessary.
 
The headmaster, Md. Tofazzel Hossain, claimed that he was a victim of a conspiracy and that he was unfairly forced to resign after being humiliated in front of the public.
 
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