Abhaynagar: Teacher draws salary without attending school, superiors get exaction

Assistant teacher Kaniz Murshida has been regularly drawing government salary and allowances despite not attending school for a long time. This incident has occurred at Ichamati Government Primary School in Shubhara Union, Abhaynagar, Jessore.

Speaking with colleagues at the school, it has been learned that Kaniz Murshida has been absent from the school since September 2023. Occasionally, she shows up and signs the attendance register all at once. Additionally, she would sign the monthly salary return sheets.

It is known that since joining the job in 2017, Kaniz Murshida has not been attending school regularly. In this way, she is drawing her salary without coming to school. Senior officials are also given a share from the salary.

Many students, including fifth-graders Shomapti and Tajmin, said they do not recognize that teacher.

Several teachers, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that despite her absence, assistant education officers would mark Kaniz Murshida as present and take her honorarium (training allowance) allocated every three months during sub-cluster meetings.

Shila Bairaagi, an assistant teacher at the school, said that even though Kaniz Murshida has been absent for a long time, she receives her salary every month.

Head teacher Rabeya Khatun said, "I did this due to pressure from higher authorities. It is certainly wrong. If I hadn't done it, it would have become difficult to keep my job."

Multiple attempts were made to contact the accused Kaniz Murshida via her mobile phone, but she did not answer.

Sangjay Kumar Das, the former assistant education officer responsible for the school, said, "I am not involved in any immoral activities. I never pressured the head teacher."

SM Wahiduzzaman, the Upazila Assistant Education Officer, said, "After learning of this incident, I visited the school. I did not find the teacher there. She has been issued a show-cause notice."

Muhammad Oliur Rahman, the Upazila Primary Education Officer, acknowledged the truth of the incident and said, "I arrived here five months ago. After learning of the matter, I assigned an assistant education officer to investigate. He found the truth through an inquiry. I have informed the district officer. He is investigating the matter."

GM Alamgir Kabir, Jessore District Primary Education Officer (holding additional charge), said, "An investigation into the matter is ongoing. If the allegations are proven, strict action will be taken against those involved."