A social media storm surrounding a “reel” video posted by Beauty Rani Pal, the headmistress of Pitaitikor Government Primary School in Fenchuganj, Sylhet, has taken an unexpected turn.
While a certain quarter subjected the teacher to intense criticism, she has found overwhelming support from teachers, cultural activists, and citizens across the country.
The education administration has clarified that they do not view the creation of the Reel video as an offence. Furthermore, rumours regarding the formation of an investigation committee have been debunked as baseless.
Roots of the controversy
Beauty Rani Pal, an alumna of the English Department at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), joined Pitaitikor Government Primary School as Headteacher in 2016.
Originally from Sunamganj, she has served the institution throughout her career and was recently honoured with the “Best Headteacher” award for Sylhet District in 2026.
For a long time, Pal has used her Facebook account to share videos of school lessons, student physical exercises, and teaching through song, dance, and environmental activities like tree plantation.
On Thursday, 23 July, she posted a Reel video showing her walking within the school premises, accompanied by the popular song “Shraboner Meghgulo Joro Akashe…..”
In the video, she appeared dressed in a saree and was well-presented. However, after a specific Facebook page began promoting the video with a negative slant, it quickly went viral. Under pressure, she eventually removed the video from her profile.
Legal action and a wave of solidarity
In response to the harassment, Pal filed a General Diary (GD) at Fenchuganj Police Station on Friday afternoon against a person named Asif Iqbal Hiron and a page titled “Fenchuganj Protidin.” Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Lutfur Rahman confirmed the filing, stating that the police are currently investigating the matter.
Despite the initial negativity, the incident sparked a unique protest on social media. Female teachers from various parts of Bangladesh began posting their own photos and videos using the same song in a show of solidarity.
They were soon joined by men and women from diverse professions.
Voices of support
Prominent figures have stepped forward to defend the teacher. Abul Hossain, a teacher from Sylhet Sadar, remarked that Pal was targeted simply for being a woman, suggesting that some are sensationalising the event for “views” and publicity.
Another user, Rita Mondal, called the harassment unacceptable and urged everyone to protect the dignity of courageous teachers.
Habibur Rahman Habib, the former Member of Parliament for Sylhet-3, expressed his disappointment on Facebook, stating that the attempt to socially demean and mentally pressure a teacher is embarrassing for a community like Fenchuganj, known for its tradition and harmony.
Professor Mohammad Zahirul Haque, Vice-Chancellor of Metropolitan University, Sylhet, noted that there was nothing indecent or wrong with the video. He lamented how a talented and creative teacher was being socially maligned by a quarter spreading propaganda.
Beauty’s perspective, official stance
Speaking on the ordeal, Beauty Rani Pal identified ‘Fenchuganj Protidin’ and another page, ‘Priyo Fenchuganj’, as the primary sources of the negative campaign. She stated that Asif Iqbal Hiron has been harassing her socially for several days.
“If the accused does not admit his mistake, I will be forced to file a case under the Cyber Security Act,” she warned. Pal shared that the situation has left her mentally distressed and feeling unsafe when commuting to work.
“Teachers do not belong to a specific circle; they belong to the country and its people,” she said. “If we talk about a modern education system while maintaining a narrow mindset, the country cannot progress. We must change our thinking to keep pace with the developed world.”
The authorities have echoed her sentiments. Sakhawat Ershad, the Sylhet District Primary Education Officer, stated, “We do not consider a teacher making a Reel video to be an offence.”
He confirmed that no investigation committee has been formed, though senior authorities have been briefed.
During a visit to Sylhet on Sunday, the Minister of State for Primary and Mass Education, Bobby Hajjaj, told journalists that while he had not seen the video himself, he understood from others that it contained nothing indecent.
“I do not consider singing or publishing such a video to be an offence. Whether others agree or not, that is my position,” the minister concluded.
