The local administration has launched an investigation following allegations that an old government primary school building in Narsingdi was demolished and its materials were put up for sale without approval from the relevant authorities or compliance with government auction procedures.
The allegations have been brought against Joyshree Saha, head teacher of Faruk Aziz Government Primary School in Shilmandi area of Narsingdi Sadar Upazila. The incident has sparked public outrage among local residents.
According to locals, the school was established in 2005. After academic activities were recently shifted to a newly constructed government-funded building, controversy emerged over the disposal of materials from two older structures on the premises.
Residents alleged that one of the old buildings was sold to a local trader without any official auction process or written authorisation. The matter came to light when workers began dismantling the structure and removing corrugated iron sheets, iron grills, doors, windows and other materials.
Witnesses said local people intervened and stopped the removal of the materials. A video of the incident later circulated widely on social media. Faced with public protests, the alleged buyer reportedly abandoned the materials at the site and left the area.
Locals further claimed that the decision to demolish the building and dispose of its materials was taken without consultation with the school management committee, guardians or local residents. They also alleged that questions had previously been raised regarding the management of school assets.
However, head teacher Joyshree Saha denied the allegations. She said the abandoned building had been demolished following verbal instructions from members of the school management committee and education officials. She also rejected claims that any sale of materials had taken place.
Narsingdi Sadar Assistant Upazila Primary Education Officer Kabir Hossain said no verbal or written permission had been granted for the demolition of the building.
“We have already initiated an inquiry to determine the facts surrounding the incident,” he said.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer and president of the school management committee Asma Jahan Sharker said she had directed the upazila primary education officer to investigate the matter.
“There are specific government rules requiring an official auction process for the disposal of materials from government property or abandoned buildings. We are examining whether those procedures were followed,” she said.
Meanwhile, Gani Mia, who has been accused of purchasing the materials, declined to speak to journalists on camera.
Local residents have demanded exemplary action against those responsible if any irregularities are proven. They also called for a comprehensive investigation and legal action against anyone found guilty of misusing government property.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about accountability and oversight in the management of public assets, particularly when educational institutions are entrusted with safeguarding government property.
