PM Tarique ordered release of Kushtia teacher detained over alleged derogatory remarks about him: Mahdi Amin

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was upset to learn that a school teacher had been detained in Kushtia over alleged derogatory remarks about him and directed police to release the teacher and ensure his safe return home, said Mahdi Amin, PM's adviser and the spokesperson of PMO, on Wednesday.

In a Facebook post, Mahdi said the prime minister instructed the police station concerned to release the teacher with dignity.

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The post said the prime minister believes people are entitled to their own opinions and that freedom of expression should be respected even when others disagree. Respect for differing views, he said, is a strength of democracy, while positive conduct, mutual respect and coexistence can strengthen society.

Police detained the teacher, Golam Kibria Lalon, who teaches Bangla at Pragpur Secondary School in Daulatpur upazila, on Wednesday.

According to locals, students and guardians, the incident took place during a Class 10 Bangla lesson around 3:00pm on Tuesday. Students alleged that Lalon commented on the prime minister’s Bangla pronunciation in his recent speech at the UN General Assembly and later made objectionable remarks while referring to him.

The comments reportedly angered students, who informed their guardians. On Wednesday morning, guardians and residents gathered at the school and demanded action against the teacher.

Police later brought the situation under control and detained Lalon from the Bheramara-Pragpur regional highway area around 11:00am.

Headteacher Ashrafuzzaman Mukul said Lalon was questioned in the presence of the school’s former chairman and others concerned. The teacher denied making derogatory remarks, he added.

Daulatpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Khaledur Rahman said the incident had created tension in the area.