The headmistress of Sonarghop Rameshchandra Government Primary School in Neserabad upazila of Pirojpur, Shamima Yasmin, has been temporarily suspended following controversy over the display of a portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in her office.
Upazila Education Officer Md Khondokar Jasim Ahmed confirmed the action, saying that a preliminary inquiry found the portrait display violated existing regulations. He said the suspension followed media reports and the matter remains under investigation.
“If the allegations are substantiated, departmental proceedings may be initiated, including permanent dismissal,” Jasim Ahmed added.
The incident occurred on August 3, when Yasmin displayed a portrait of Bangladesh’s founding leader in her office, reportedly sparking unrest among locals. Under pressure, she was later forced to remove the portrait.
Speaking to reporters, Shamima Yasmin defended her action. “I am the daughter of a freedom fighter. My father, Moinuddin Master, fought in the liberation war. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is the architect of this nation. Hanging his portrait is an act of honour, not wrongdoing,” she said.
Her suspension has drawn mixed reactions. While some welcomed the move as adherence to procedure, others criticised it as an infringement on personal and patriotic expression. On social media, critics labelled her a “fascist ally of Sheikh Hasina,” while supporters called the suspension “absurd.”
Her husband, Md Hafizur Rahman, claimed they were not formally notified of the suspension. “The Assistant Education Officer asked her to collect a letter from the office, but we were not told she had been suspended,” he said.
The Ministry of Education is yet to issue a formal comment, though officials said the suspension was made under its directive.