Those who publicly humiliated Narayanganj school teacher will be punished, says law minister

Those responsible for humiliating a Narayangnaj school principal in public will be punished, says Law Minister Anisul Huq.

Shyamal Kanti Bhakta of Piyar Sattar Latif High School in Bandar Upazila was rescued by police after he was beaten up and made to do sit-ups holding his ears in the presence of local MP AKM Salim Osman.

Huq’s comment comes a day after the district police chief went on record saying that it was not a ‘criminal offence’ and that law enforcers ‘could not have done anything’ over Friday’s incident.

The local administration has opened an inquiry over the matter.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, the minister condemned the incident saying it was indeed an ‘offence’.

“Those involved will be punished, because no one can take the law into their own hands,” said Huq.

“I read news reports that said this teacher had beaten up a student. But that could have been dealt with legally. But taking drastic measures without seeking legal recourse will not be tolerated.”

When asked about the progress of the probe into the murder of Comilla college girl Sohagi Jahan Tonu, the minister said people holding important offices should not comment on matters under police’s investigation.

As for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) which claimed to have found evidence suggesting her rape, he said, “These autopsy reports are also part of police’s investigation. Police will make a clear statement about them when they submit their report to court.”

It was an “important case that irked the people” and the court would give its directive over the matter, he said. “The Home Ministry will judge the circumstances and I believe they will consider sending this case to a speedy trial tribunal.”