Another Hindu (Sanatan religion adherent) teacher has allegedly been forced to resign in the Southern Chattogram district in Bangladesh. The incident occurred at Purba Baroia Thanda Mia Chowdhury High School in Anwara Upazila.
Reports claim that headmaster Chandan Mahajan was compelled to step down following protests fueled by rumors of blasphemy against Islam.
According to sources, the headmaster submitted his resignation last Wednesday (January 8, 2024). Various accusations, including irregularities and corruption, were leveled against him. He was also alleged to have made anti-Islamic remarks, leading to his summons to the office of the Secondary Education Officer.
At that point, a group of students was brought in, who, without investigation, demanded his resignation. Subsequently, Chandan Mahajan submitted his resignation letter to Upazila Executive Officer Tahmina Akhter.
In his resignation letter, the teacher wrote, “Based on the formation of the school’s ad hoc committee and various allegations from students (including anti-Islamic comments), I am submitting my resignation to you.”
Confirming the resignation, Upazila Secondary Education Officer Md. Ferdous Hossain said, “The headmaster Chandan Mahajan was called to the upazila office to address allegations from students. However, students arrived and demanded his resignation without any inquiry. Consequently, he resigned.”
Local newspaper Chattogram Pratidin reported that a vested group with interests in controlling the school’s management committee orchestrated the incident. Allegedly, this group manipulated students and parents by spreading false allegations against Mahajan.
There have been similar allegations across the country of Hindu teachers being removed in this manner. This trend reportedly intensified after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, with either Hindu or pro-Awami League teachers facing threats. Hundreds of teachers have been harassed and forced to resign, often under the pretext of “personal reasons.”
A teacher from the same school, who did not want to be named for security reasons, told Minority Watch, “The allegations have been fabricated to frame the headmaster by spreading religious hatred. The students were also incited to pressure him.”
Chattogram Pratidin further reported that a group of local corrupt people instigated both students and some parents against Chandan Mahajan by making false allegations. Among them are people who want to take over the school management committee.
They accused Mahajan of making Islamophobic remarks, such as derogatory remarks about beards and Islamic veils (hijabs/niqabs) being linked to militancy. Allegations of irregularities and corruption were also raised.
A teacher at the school, speaking anonymously, said, “The allegations were fabricated to frame the headmaster by spreading religious hatred. Young children were incited to protest, many of whom didn’t even know what the teacher’s crime is?”
A local guardian echoed this sentiment, saying, “The root cause of this harassment is a conflict over the management committee. The other allegations are baseless and fabricated.”
Chandan Mahajan, reportedly unwell following the incident, could not be reached for comment as his phone remained switched off.
