School shut, vice principal discharged over sexual harassment

Mohammadpur Preparatory School was temporarily closed today and its vice principal discharged in face of protests over sexual harassment of a minor student.

A notice of closure was put out this afternoon in face of protest from guardians against alleged sexual harassment on a grade one student that took place on May 4.

Apart from the vice principal Zeenatun Nesa, who said to have passed low comments over the sexual harassment, two other male employees were also discharged.

M Tamim, a trustee board member of the school, made the notice public this afternoon after daylong protests from parents and guardians at school premises since morning.

Soon after the discharge was made public this afternoon, a notice announcing foreclosure of the school for summer vacations until May 25 was put out at the gates.

A teacher of the school sought anonymity to confirm The Daily Star of the foreclosure. “A notice has been put out. The school will remain closed until May 25.”

The school was scheduled to enter summer vacation from next week, the teacher said.

Since morning, hundreds of parents and guardians formed human chains and demonstrated at the school premises, at Dhaka’s Asad Gate area, in protest.

The issue of sexual harassment of women is upbeat in the country following widespread protest against the assault on women at Dhaka University during April 14 Pahela Baishakh celebrations.