MPO suspended for Headteacher found drunk at School

The headteacher of Nukali Bohuparshik High School in Shahzadpur upazila of Sirajganj has been temporarily suspended and his Monthly Pay Order (MPO) benefits have been suspended after he was found behaving inappropriately while allegedly intoxicated during an examination.

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) announced the suspension and MPO freeze in a notice issued on Saturday (July 4).

According to the notice, an objectionable video of the school's headteacher, Md. Ruhul Amin, went viral on social media. The footage reportedly shows him behaving inappropriately and speaking incoherently while under the influence of alcohol.

The notice states that such objectionable, unethical, and unlawful conduct has seriously tarnished the dignity of the teaching profession. It has also sparked widespread anger and dissatisfaction among students, parents, and the general public, constituting gross misconduct and a serious breach of discipline under the Service Conditions Regulations for Recognized Non-Government Secondary School Teachers, 1979.

In light of the incident, the DSHE requested his immediate suspension under the 1979 regulations and the suspension of his MPO benefits under Clause 18.1(g) of the Manpower Structure and MPO Policy-2025 until further notice.

Meanwhile, Assistant Headteacher Md. Abdur Rashid has been appointed acting headteacher of Nukali Bohuparshik High School effective Sunday (July 5). The appointment was made through an official order signed on Saturday by the school's president and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Sabrina Sharmin.

Earlier, on Thursday (July 2), a video showing the headteacher allegedly intoxicated during an examination at the school went viral on social media. The footage shows Ruhul Amin sitting in his office, apparently drunk, while Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations were underway on the school premises.

After receiving reports of the incident, several local journalists arrived at the school. Addressing them, Ruhul Amin was heard saying: "I have been drinking for a long time. Perhaps someone informed you. I apologize to you and ask for your prayers. Please have a seat."

Later, family members arrived at the school and took him home. Following the incident, Acting Upazila Secondary Education Officer Saidul Islam Sheikh issued him a show-cause notice.

Local residents allege that Ruhul Amin has served as the school's headteacher for many years. As his residence is located next to the school, they claim he has used his family's local influence to establish dominance in the area. According to residents, he had previously consumed alcohol in the headteacher's office and displayed abnormal behavior on multiple occasions. They also allege that his influence discouraged anyone from openly protesting his conduct.