Protest in Feni Demands Removal of High School Headmistress Over Corruption Claims

Students, guardians, and alumni of Faziler Ghat High School formed a human chain on Wednesday morning, demanding the immediate removal of Headmistress Sajeda Yasmin over allegations of widespread corruption and administrative failure.

Protesters gathered in front of the school, claiming that since her appointment in July 2024, the headmistress has built a "corruption syndicate" involving a few senior teachers. They alleged that the school's heritage is being tarnished by financial irregularities and a decline in educational standards.

The protesters raised several specific complaints, including Charging monthly coaching fees ranging from Tk 800 to Tk 2,000 and imposing high fines for student absences.

Embezzling funds through "model tests," overcharging for SSC form fill-ups, and conducting internal exams with low-quality market-bought question papers.

Allowing students who failed up to eight subjects to sit for board exams in exchange for bribes. Protesters cited a specific instance in the 2026 SSC exams where a student who missed the selection test was allegedly allowed to participate.

Using school funds, collected for a prize distribution ceremony in April 2026, to purchase furniture for her personal residence and organizing lavish lunches for guests while students remained hungry.

Guardians expressed concern that the school’s passing rate dropped to 45% in 2024 due to these practices. They also noted a rise in indiscipline, including factionalism and smoking on campus, which they attribute to administrative incompetence.

Responding to the allegations, Headmistress Sajeda Yasmin denied most claims, stating that coaching classes were conducted to improve student performance with the knowledge of authorities. Regarding the exam irregularities, she admitted that "two students were included by mistake," for which she issued show-cause notices to the responsible teachers.

"I sincerely apologize for the mistake regarding the students' eligibility," she said, though she dismissed other allegations as false. She urged students to focus on their studies rather than "practicing politics."

A memorandum has been submitted to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO). Protesters warned of a larger movement if a proper investigation is not launched and the headmistress is not removed.