Viqarunnisa shut for indefinite period amid growing protests

The authorities of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College suspended the classes and examinations for an indefinite period amid growing protests over the suicide of its student Aritry Adhikari.  

Mustari Sultana, a sociology teacher and a representative of teachers to the school governing body, at a press conference on Wednesday said all the activities of the educational institution will remain suspended until further notice.

She said the decision has been taken as their students are shocked unable to give attention to their study amid the evolving situation.

Meanwhile, the students of the institution staged their demonstration on the second consecutive day today, demanding punishment and removal of its principal and accused teachers over the suicide of its student Aritry Adhikari.

A group of students, including the classmates of Aritree, took position in front of the main gate of the educational institution at Bailey Road in the capital with placards.

Earlier on Tuesday night, a case was filed against its Principal Naznin Ferdous, morning shift in-charge Jinat Ara and class teacher of Class-IX Hasna Hena over the suicide of Aritry Adhikari.

Victim’s father Dilip Adhikari filed the case with Paltan Police Station on Tuesday night accusing the trio of prompting Aritry to commit suicide through their actions.

Amid the widespread criticisms over the incident, the school authorities issued a show-cause notice to morning shift in-charge Zinnat Ara in this connection.

Aritry Adhikari, a Class-IX student, reportedly committed suicide at their Shantinagar residence in the city on Monday after allegedly being rebuked by the teachers for using mobile phone during examination.

Amid the protests, the High Court on Tuesday made an observation that the suicide by the student of Viqarunnisa Noon School is heart-rending and termed the insult of her parents a 'very bad example'.

Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid, however, asked the management to suspend three teachers the institution its acting principal over the suicide.  

The minister also said that education ministry decided to cancel Monthly Pay Order (MPO) of the three teachers and also directed to file a departmental case over the incident.