Taslima Akhter, an assistant teacher at Balighar East Para Government Primary School in Muradnagar Upazila, Cumilla District, has been accused of falsely signing school attendance records while reportedly in Singapore.
The allegations state that she not only marked herself present from abroad but also facilitated the withdrawal of her salary based on these falsified records. Both the assistant education officer and the school headmaster have recommended disciplinary action against her to the upazila education officer.
Upon suspicion of irregularities, the Upazila Education Officer promptly issued a notice to Akhter, demanding a written response within three working days. However, despite subsequent changes in personnel, Akhter has yet to provide any explanation.
The incident has sparked considerable controversy at Balighar East Para Government Primary School, raising concerns over administrative oversight and accountability. It is reported that Akhter, who took a 15-day leave from August 3 to August 17 last year to visit her husband in Singapore, extended her absence without official approval.
Upon her return on September 3, she allegedly falsified attendance records for the intervening period, excluding the leave days, and subsequently submitted an application to rejoin the school, citing an earlier joining date of August 20.
Assistant Education Officer Mohammad Hayatunnabi and school principal Ambia Khatun supported her application, raising questions about the endorsement of such a fraudulent claim. Former education officer Motaher Billah had initially given Akhter three days to clarify the discrepancies in her leave and rejoining dates, which went unanswered.
When questioned about these allegations, Akhter expressed her intention to discuss the matter directly with reporters. Meanwhile, Ambia Khatun acknowledged that Akhter had indeed stayed in Singapore for a month instead of the approved 15 days, admitting to her inability to prevent the incident.
Assistant Education Officer Mohammad Hayatunnabi claimed ignorance of the irregularities, stating that he endorsed the application based on the information received at the time. Upazila education officer Abdur Razzak condemned the previous administration's handling of the matter and pledged to investigate further, promising departmental action if the allegations are substantiated.
District Education Officer Safiul Alam expressed unawareness of the incident but assured that appropriate action would be taken upon receipt of the official report from the upazila authorities.
