A combination of internal politics between teachers and too much freedom for students led them to attempt to frame Binodpur Ramkumar High School teacher Hriday Chandra Mondal, according to locals, teachers at the school and the victim himself.
Leaked audio of a conversation between the teacher and his students seemed to make it clear that the students were intentionally baiting him into an argument while recording the incident.
Teachers and locals said many of the students come from heavily religious households, but they are still shown an extreme amount of leniency by parents. The students have been taking advantage of this leniency to do whatever they wish.
Hriday Mondal was granted bail 19 days after he was sent to jail. He is currently staying in Dhaka and hoping to return to his residence within a few days.
What was in the conversation?
Hriday usually takes classes of grade ten Kha section. However, he often also works as a substitute teacher in case of any absences. As a result, he was taking classes of grade Ten Ka and Kha sections together on the day of the incident.
During the class, some students from the Ka section started an argument with Hriday Mondal. They argued that science was derived from religion, while the teacher was arguing that science and religion did not have any relation.
“There is nothing connected between the two – religion and science. One is a matter of belief, and the other has to be proven,” he said in the audio clip.
However, one of the students continued the argument, referencing “The Theory of Everything”, “Paradoxical Sajjad”, as well as the Waz.
In response to a question, Hriday asked how a hujur (Muslim spiritual leader) learned about science when he mostly studied religion. He also asked the students to read religious books themselves to develop their own understanding.
What encouraged the students?
Hriday Mondal alleged that internal feuds between teachers was a major reason behind the incident.
He said he gives private tuition to several students as they found him sincere in his work. However, many teachers are envious, and do not appreciate it that he does not allow them to give private tuition during class hours.
Hriday also said that he is very strict about discipline, and this may have angered some of the students. Some teachers may have directed this anger towards framing him in an attempt at revenge.
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However, Hriday stopped short of naming any of the teachers or students. He also felt outsiders from the school may be involved.
Headmaster of the school Md Alauddin told Dhaka Tribune he previously resided at the staff quarters of the school. But one day, after his wife was teased by some of the students for not wearing a burka or hijab, he left the quarter and took up residence at a nearby place.
“Although families here appear to be very religious, they also allow their children to do whatever they want,” he said.
As a result of this leniency, some students do not hesitate to smoke in front of their teachers or have cannabis on the school ground as well, said one teacher on condition of anonymity.
“The students do not care as they know that their mischief will go unpunished,” he added.