Shariful Islam, Satkhira Correspondent:
While the government describes primary education as the backbone of the nation, Mirzanagar Government Primary School No. 3 under Satkhira Sadar Upazila has, according to guardians, turned into “not an educational institution, but a hub of autocracy.” Due to allegations of child abuse, misappropriation of government funds, negligence of duty, irregular attendance, and open disregard for administrative authority by the acting head teacher, Md. Masud Mia, discipline at the school has completely collapsed. Local residents are growing increasingly furious over the situation.
During an on-the-spot visit, it was observed that the head teacher himself is the main violator of rules. On Sunday, January 25, at around 9:30 am, the head teacher was not found at the school.

Allegations suggest that he often goes home during the tiffin break and spends hours there, returning at his own convenience. In his absence, other teachers reportedly abandon classes and rest by arranging benches in a room beside the office. As a result, the school has effectively become non-functional in terms of academic activities.

Due to the negligence of the head teacher, another teacher of the same school, Rehena, was found absent until 12 noon on Sunday. On condition of anonymity, guardians stated that this assistant teacher frequently remains absent during school hours under the protection of the head teacher, showing little regard for official timing.

Beating students with dusters and pulling their ears in the name of teaching has reportedly become a routine practice. After being beaten, first-grade student Md. Mahir Hossain is now afraid to attend school, according to his family. Instead of imparting education, fear is being instilled in young minds—raising serious questions about the responsibility of a government school.

The situation in the pre-primary section is even more distressing. On October 29, 2025, district and upazila education officers instructed the school to purchase floor mats within seven days. However, even after three months, not a single mat has been bought. Currently, 29 children are attending classes while sitting on dirty floors in cold weather. Torn mats, foul-smelling toilets, and dirty water jars have turned the school into a serious health hazard. Toilets and basin areas are reportedly unusable due to accumulated filth.

Moreover, although approximately BDT 150,000 was allocated for school renovation in connection with the 13th parliamentary election, more than a month has passed without any sign of renovation. Guardians alleged that since assuming responsibility, Md. Masud Mia has effectively made government allocations, pre-primary grants, and nearly BDT 150,000 received for using the school as an election center disappear. There is no visible sign of development. Funds allocated for various national observance days are also allegedly pocketed, with no proper implementation of government programs.

The question now being raised is: into whose pockets did the money meant for students go?
Guardian Nilufa Yasmin expressed her frustration, saying,
“Earlier, the school used to be crowded. Now people are afraid to send their children there.”
Another guardian, Rehana Parvin, said,
“Even though my child studies in a government school, I have to send them to three private tutors. This is shameful.”

Guardians claim that despite submitting more than a hundred complaints earlier, no action was taken under mysterious circumstances. This has raised serious questions about the role of the education office and the administration. A common question among the public is whether a head teacher is above the law.

When attempts were made to obtain his statement, Md. Masud Mia initially agreed but later, on the advice of the school’s night guard, Golam Hossain, refused to speak to journalists. He reportedly mentioned having an “understanding” with the education officer. Such comments have further enraged local residents.
The locals have warned that if an immediate investigation is not initiated, they will launch a movement. They have clearly stated that no one will be spared for playing games with children’s education.