We take an extremely grim view of a headmaster being punished on alleged claims of making derogatory comments about religion. It happened in Narayanganj. The teacher, who happens to be of Hindu faith, was made to do sit ups holding his ears in the presence of the local MP. Are we living in a modern state? How will the teachers ever function again with dignity? What message does it send to the outside world about our society?

The shocking incident unveils two disturbing facts. First, he was, reportedly, a victim of personal vendetta by some people in the school management. Second, the whole incident took place in front of the local lawmaker who, instead of standing up to the perpetrators, apparently acquiesced to the mob trial. The punishment was ostensibly to save the teacher from public wrath. What a ludicrous argument! One expects an elected MP to make a better judgment call. 

The real problem here is that anyone can accuse anyone of insulting religion to settle personal scores. It's your word against mine. What evidence is there to prove that the teacher actually made disparaging remarks about religion, other than the claims of some people? There should be safeguards against this kind of harassment exploiting the religious sentiment of the public. Teaching is a noble profession and teachers should be treated with due respect. We call for appropriate and exemplary action against all those who were party to this abhorrent mistreatment of a teacher.