Headmaster flies to USA on 3-day leave, stays away for 3.5 years
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A headmaster went to the United States on a three-day leave. That leave expired long ago, but even after three and a half years, he has not returned to the school. Nor did he take permission to go abroad. His prolonged absence is disrupting the administrative activities and teaching at Raypur Government Merchants Academy in Lakshmipur.
The District Education Officer said the matter of the headmaster's absence has been reported to higher authorities. The process of taking action against him according to regulations is underway.
School sources said Headmaster Md. Zillur Rahman took a three-day leave from the school authorities on August 22, 2022. The next day, August 23, he left the country for the USA. He has not returned to the school since. Thus, he has been absent from his workplace for a continuous three and a half years.
Earlier, on December 19, 2021, Zillur Rahman went to the USA for the first time. He returned to the country after about five months and four days. At that time, he had taken two months of leave from the school. However, he did not take permission from the relevant authorities to go abroad. According to school sources, after returning to the country, he withdrew his government salary and allowances.
Several teachers from the school said that the headmaster's prolonged absence has created various crises in administrative activities. Regular activities are being hampered due to his lack of leadership. Additionally, since the headmaster himself is not following the rules, other teachers and staff are showing reluctance in performing their duties.
As he is currently abroad, comments from Headmaster Md. Zillur Rahman could not be obtained.
Acting Headmaster Mostafa Faruki said attempts were made to contact the headmaster but were unsuccessful. When he will join the school is also not certain. This has created uncertainty in the school. However, his position has not yet been declared vacant.
Meanwhile, to take action regarding the headmaster's absence, on September 18, 2022, the then Raypur Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Anjan Das sent a letter to the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education through the Deputy Commissioner. At that time, he was also the president of the school's managing committee.
Incumbent Raypur Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Mehedi Hasan Kausar said government officials and employees must take permission from the relevant authorities to go abroad, but Headmaster Zillur Rahman did not take any permission for his overseas travel. A letter has been sent to the Deputy Commissioner informing them of the matter and requesting necessary action. Action will be taken against him as per the directives of higher authorities.
District Education Officer Gautam Chandra Mitra said there is no scope to stay abroad without permission according to service rules. The matter has been reported to higher authorities.
Raypur Government Merchants Academy was nationalized on March 19, 2017. Currently, the school has about one thousand students.
