Four teachers of a private educational institution in Joypurhat have been allegedly torturing students in the form of punishments over minor issues in the Professorpara area of Joypurhat town.

The accused teachers are Ashiqur Rahman, Emdad Hossain, Abul Bashar, and Omar Faruk of North Bengal Model School and Cadet Academy.  They have reportedly gone into hiding after the incident.

The school, which offers both residential and non-residential education up to class 10, has long drawn students from Joypurhat and neighboring districts. However, allegations have surfaced that the teachers have been brutally beating students for years.

The latest incident occurred on Friday night when 22 students were reportedly beaten with sticks for singing and watching television. Unable to endure the repeated torture, a residential student fled the campus that night and informed his parents. Following this, other students also disclosed the ongoing abuse to their families.

Later, agitated guardians rushed to the institution and lodged complaints with the administration. Parents and students alleged that despite repeated complaints, the school director, Rabiul Islam, and the headmaster failed to take action against the accused teachers.

Explaining the abuse, tenth-grader Rezaun Jannat Rabbi said, “I was singing because the teacher was late in the morning. Suddenly, the teacher came and started beating me.” Another student, Sohan Fardis, alleged, “I paid a little less school fee. For that, sir threatened to expel me and beat me.”

Guardian Riva Parveen said discipline is acceptable, repeated violent abuse is intolerable. They demanded a proper investigation and justice.

In response, Director Rabiul Islam admitted the incident and confirmed that show-cause notices had been issued to the accused teachers. A three-member committee has also been formed to investigate the allegations.

Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rashedul Islam said, “The head of the institution has given a written commitment to dismiss the accused teachers. Besides, an investigation committee has been formed by the institution in this regard."