Residents of Joshodal Union in Kishoreganj Sadar have expressed strong anger and dissatisfaction over the renaming of a government primary school originally established in the name of the country’s martyred leader Syed Nazrul Islam.
The controversy gained momentum on social media, sparking widespread discussion and protest.
The school, founded in 1972 as “Syed Nazrul Islam Government Primary School,” has been renamed “Joshodal Madhyapara Government Primary School.” The change was implemented following a directive from the Directorate of Primary Education. Although the decision had remained largely unknown for some time, it became public after the school’s managing committee election notice and the renaming of the main gate drew attention.
Local residents have criticised the move, saying it was carried out without any public consultation or approval. Former students, freedom fighters’ groups, and members of the community voiced concern that erasing the name of a national leader could distort history.
Syed Nazrul Islam, one of the four national leaders and interim president of Bangladesh during the Liberation War, is regarded as a proud son of Kishoreganj and the nation.
Journalist Saif Uddin Ahmed Lenin wrote on Facebook, “Martyr Syed Nazrul Islam is not just a name but an inseparable part of Bangladesh’s struggle for independence. Yet his school’s name has been changed. The act is deeply concerning.”
Israil Mia, former organisational secretary of Kishoreganj BNP, also protested the decision on social media. He said, “It is our duty to preserve respect for those who contributed to national history. Political differences aside, the school’s original name should be maintained.”
Abhi Chowdhury, general secretary of Kishoreganj district branch of Gono Odhikar Parishad, echoed the sentiment, calling the renaming a politically motivated attempt to undermine the memory of a freedom fighter.
Harun Al Rashid, president of Bangladesh Human Rights Theatre, Kishoreganj branch, added that Syed Nazrul Islam’s name embodies the nation’s history of independence and freedom, and such changes are unacceptable.
Former students expressed distress over the move. Morshed Ali Roman said the sudden removal of the school’s name, including the main gate sign, was deeply hurtful.
Another alumnus, Sajin Ahmed Tushar, described the change as disappointing and said the decision appeared to be politically motivated.
District Primary Education Officer Md Shafiqul Islam explained that the school’s renaming was part of the “Government Primary School Naming and Existing Name Change Policy-2023,” issued on 15 December 2025 by the Directorate of Primary Education, which listed 22 schools across the country for name changes.
Objections from local residents, however, have caused complications and ongoing tension in the area.
