Attack on college in Durgapur and beating of teacher with shoes: BNP leader Akbar Ali expelled

Joynagar Union BNP vice-president Akbar Ali has been expelled from the party in the incident of attack, vandalism and beating of a female teacher with shoes at Daokandi Government University College in Durgapur upazila of Rajshahi.

This information was given in a notification signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday (April 24). It said that Akbar Ali has been expelled from all posts, including primary membership, of the party on charges of being involved in activities against party policies, ideology and discipline.

When asked about the expulsion, Akbar Ali said that he was not aware of the matter. He claimed that some teachers from the area went to the college with an invitation letter and had an argument with the teachers, and at one stage, a clash broke out.

Earlier, the incident took place at the college around 2:30 pm on Thursday (April 23). At that time, the 2024 degree second-year exams were underway. Since it was an exam center, Section 144 was imposed in the college and the surrounding area and police were deployed.

According to eyewitnesses, teachers, students and police sources, local BNP leaders and activists entered the principal's room and got into an argument over various issues. At one stage, they attacked the teachers and caused extensive vandalism in the office.

College principal Abdur Razzak, lecturer Aleya Khatun Hira, Professor Rezaul Karim Alam and several others were injured in the attack. A video of the incident showed a female teacher being beaten with shoes, which went viral on social media.

The injured teachers alleged that 40 to 50 leaders and activists led by Akbar Ali took part in the attack. Among them were leaders of local BNP and affiliated organizations.

Principal Abdur Razzak alleged that since he took charge, various groups had been demanding money from him. The incident started when he did not recognize anyone and did not accept their demands.

Lecturer Aleya Khatun Hira said, “Some people often came to the college to demand money and create pressure. Standing by the principal became my crime.”

However, some local BNP leaders claim that the tension was created over the demand for an account of previous irregularities and corruption in the college. They allege that the teachers were the first to attack, and then the situation got out of control.

Tension prevailed in the area following the incident. Law enforcement agencies are trying to control the situation.