A proposal to rename the historic Shibganj Pilot Girls’ High School in Shibganj upazila of Bogura has been sent to the Ministry of Education, triggering widespread discussion, criticism and debate in the locality.
Under the proposal, the institution is set to be renamed “Shibganj Mir Shahe Alam Pilot Girls’ High School, Shibganj, Bogura.”
Established in 1973, the school is the only pilot girls’ high school in the upazila.
According to official sources, the proposal was forwarded through a letter issued on 9 June from the Non-Government Secondary-1 branch of the Secondary and Higher Education Division under the Ministry of Education. The letter was signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Shirin Akhtar.
The letter mentioned that a proposal for renaming the institution has been received and directed relevant authorities to review it and submit opinions and recommendations after proper verification.
It further instructs that the matter be examined under Clause 14.5 of the “Private Educational Institutions (Primary, Secondary and Higher Secondary) Establishment, Teaching and Academic Recognition Policy-2022 (Amended 2023).”
Authorities have been asked to conduct on-site inspections to assess the justification and necessity of the proposed name change, along with local public opinion, and submit a detailed report to the ministry including views from all stakeholders.
The Chairman of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Rajshahi, and the Deputy Commissioner of Bogura have been asked separately to investigate the matter and provide recommendations before a final decision is taken.
The proposal has also sparked renewed political and social discussion surrounding State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam.
In recent weeks, controversy emerged over the naming of newly formed unions in Shibganj upazila, including one named “Mirbari,” while others were named “Simanta,” “Diganta,” and “Shonargram.” The minister’s ancestral home is locally known as “Mirbari,” and his two sons are named Mir Simanta and Mir Diganta.
The similarity between these names and those of his family members has fueled public debate and raised questions in parliament.
Responding in parliament, State Minister Mir Shahe Alam said there is no connection between the union names and his children’s names, adding that the names were chosen based on geographical and local considerations.
Local sources also claim that several educational and business institutions in the area previously carried names associated with the minister and his family. These include “Betgari Mir Shahe Alam Girls’ High School” established in 2001, “Betgari Mir Shah Alam Technical School and College” established in 2003.
Besides, ‘Mokamtola Mir Shah Alam–Chattar Talukdar College’ and several other institutions are also reportedly named after members of his family, along with fuel stations bearing similar names.”
Amid the ongoing controversy, the minister reiterated in parliament that the naming decisions were made based on geographical and local context, denying any personal motive behind them.
