Mohammad Ruhul Amin, the Upazila Primary Education Officer of Bakerganj in Barishal, has faced allegations of demanding bribes and harassing teachers in connection with transfers, deputations, maternity leave, pensions, and the processing of various financial benefits.According to the teachers who have raised the allegations, official files are allegedly withheld in many cases unless money is paid. They also claim that those who protest face threats of show-cause notices and complications related to their employment. One particularly serious allegation concerns a demand for Tk 30,000 from a teacher who was six months pregnant to process her maternity leave.
Written complaints regarding the allegations have reportedly been submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Ministry of Education, according to sources familiar with the matter. The complainants have called for an impartial investigation and appropriate action based on verified evidence.
Alleged Bribe Demand for Maternity Leave
A female teacher has alleged that Tk 30,000 was demanded from her when she applied for maternity leave while six months pregnant. She claims that, after receiving a show-cause notice, she was forced to borrow money at a high interest rate from a private development organisation. According to her account, she used the borrowed money to secure her leave.
Teachers further allege that they face various forms of harassment when seeking maternity leave, withdrawing provident fund money, processing pension benefits, obtaining signatures on bank loan documents, and accessing other administrative services. They claim that, in some cases, files do not move forward without financial transactions.
However, the allegations require verification through relevant applications, notices, financial records, and other supporting documents.
Allegations of Irregularities in Transfers and Deputations
Teachers have alleged that payments ranging from Tk 20,000 to Tk 40,000 are required to secure a deputation or temporary posting at a preferred school. They further claim that several teachers have been assigned to other schools in violation of applicable rules.
The complaints reportedly mention the assignment of Alim Ibnat, a teacher at Sataniya School, to Paurashava School; Zakaria of Shakbunia to Lakshmipasha Aminia School; Sharmin Akter of Garuria to Deuli School; Shibshankar Das of Matiur Rahman School to Khejura Bhorpasha School; and Aminul Islam of Porachipa to Dakshin Daokathi School.
The complainants have also raised concerns over the assignments of several other teachers, including Jannatun Ferdousi, Laizu Akter, Iti Akter, Sathi Akter, Sonia Akter, Jamil Akter, Anika Ibnat, Kakoli De, and Nasrin Sultana.
The legality of these assignments can only be established by examining the relevant orders, approvals, and administrative records.
Allegations of Deductions from School Development Funds
Teachers have also raised concerns about the allocation of funds for school development projects. They allege that between 30 and 40 per cent of the allocations under the School-Level Improvement Plan (SLIP) programme are being withheld.
They further claim that files dating back three to four years are being reopened and alleged errors highlighted to put headteachers under pressure. According to the complainants, such practices create an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear of administrative harassment.
The allegations concerning the misuse or improper deduction of project funds require examination of allocation documents, expenditure statements, bills, vouchers, and other relevant financial records.
Alleged Use of Intermediaries to Collect Bribes
The complainants claim that several individuals have been used as intermediaries to collect money from teachers. Their allegations reportedly mention former teacher Selim, assistant teacher Salehin Shikder, and headteacher Parash.
Ruhul Amin has also been accused of using his wife, a retired government employee, and his younger brother, Nurul, to collect money from teachers. These allegations have yet to be independently verified, and further evidence and statements from the individuals concerned would be necessary to establish the facts.
Allegations Concerning Undisclosed Assets
Previous reports in a series of investigative publications have raised allegations regarding Ruhul Amin's purported wealth and assets allegedly disproportionate to his known sources of income.
The complainants claim that he has accumulated substantial wealth through activities connected to the alleged harassment of teachers and various administrative processes. Their allegations have also referred to Hotel Janani in Kuakata and other properties.
However, the actual ownership of these assets, their sources of funding, and any alleged discrepancy between assets and lawful income would need to be established through property deeds, asset declarations, tax records, and findings from the relevant authorities. The allegations should not be treated as established facts without supporting evidence.
Officer Declines to Comment
When contacted by mobile phone regarding the allegations, Upazila Primary Education Officer Mohammad Ruhul Amin declined to comment on the matter.
Meanwhile, several teachers in Bakerganj have said they are taking steps to submit complaints to the ACC, the Directorate of Primary Education, and the relevant ministry. They have called for an impartial investigation, verification of relevant documents, and action in accordance with the rules if anyone is found responsible.
They have also urged the authorities to ensure that no teacher faces administrative harassment or retaliation for raising concerns.
Ensuring teachers receive their legitimate entitlements, maintaining transparency in administrative procedures, and safeguarding the proper use of public funds are key responsibilities of education officials. Allegations involving bribery, irregularities in transfers and deputations, and the misuse of school development funds therefore warrant careful examination.
Teachers in Bakerganj hope that the relevant authorities will investigate the allegations thoroughly and establish the facts. They are also calling for greater transparency and accountability in transfers, deputations, maternity leave, pension processing, and the management of school funds so that teachers can access their rightful services without harassment.