Viqarunnisa teacher Murad arrested in sexual harassment case

A senior mathematics teacher of the Azimpur branch of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, has been arrested after suspension in a sexual harassment case.

Murad Hossain Sarker was arrested from his Kalabagan residence in the capital after Monday midnight after the case was filed by the mother of a female student under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, said Lalbagh Police Station OC Khandaker Mohammad Helal Uddin.
Acting Principal Keka Roy Chowdhury of the Azimpur branch of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, said decision was taken to suspend the teacher after holding a meeting of the school governing body.

Besides, she said decision was taken to form a three-member committee by the Divisional Commissioner's Office to fully investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, Viqarunnisa School authorities suspended Murad after an emergency meeting on Monday night.

A student's mother accused the teacher of sexually harassing the students at his coaching centre in the case.

Parents protesting to demand Murad's trial and legal action against him were unhappy with the decision to suspend him.

But the principal said the authorities are taking the steps against Murad in line with the law, which requires further investigation after his suspension before sacking him.

On February 7, students of the institutions submitted complaints to the Principal accusing the teacher of sexual harassment.

On Saturday (February 24), the school authority withdrew the senior teacher and subsequently attached him to the principal's office in the face of demonstration by a section of students and their guardians.

Protesting the withdrawal decision the following day, the students and their guardians started a protest on the school campus, demanding an exemplary punishment of the accused.

The guardians also held a press conference at the National Press Club the same day, demanding that the accused teacher be sacked.

TF