Gaibandha Correspondent

Allegations of irregularities in the distribution of student stipends, disbursement of benefits to fictitious students, and misappropriation of school property have created controversy at Chithulia Government Primary School in Gaibandha Sadar Upazila.

Following preliminary findings regarding the allegations, the Upazila Primary Education Office has issued show-cause notices to former Head Teacher Ms. Rowshan Ara Parul and current Acting Head Teacher Md. Abdur Razzak.

In a letter dated August 20, 2026, signed by Assistant Upazila Primary Education Officer Md. Jahangir Alam, the two teachers were asked to submit satisfactory written explanations regarding the allegations.
According to the letter, only 28 students received stipends at the school during the January–June period of the 2025–26 fiscal year. Although the school currently has around 70 students, many newly enrolled pupils were reportedly not included in the stipend program, leading to dissatisfaction among parents.

During a parents' meeting held at the school on August 19, allegations were raised against former Head Teacher Rowshan Ara Parul for allegedly providing stipend benefits to her relatives and to children who were not enrolled at the school. It was further alleged that similar irregularities occurred during the 2024–25 fiscal year, when most of the 41 stipend recipients were allegedly selected in an unethical manner.

The letter states that inconsistencies were found when authorities contacted the guardians of several stipend beneficiaries. The guardian of a fourth-grade student, Mosammat Nusrat Jahan (Roll No. 6), reportedly claimed that they reside in Jamalpur District and that none of their children study at the school. Similarly, allegations were made regarding fifth-grade student Mosammat Raisa Tanha (Roll No. 3), who is reportedly a relative of the former head teacher and allegedly received stipend benefits despite not being a student of the institution.
According to the complaints, some school property was allegedly sold and the proceeds misappropriated through collusion involving the former school management committee chairman and others concerned. It has also been alleged that school tin sheets and furniture were used in the construction of the former chairman’s private residence.

The letter describes the alleged actions as financial irregularities, negligence of duty, and administrative misconduct. It asks why recommendations should not be made to higher authorities for departmental action against those concerned.

The accused have been instructed to submit written explanations within five working days of receiving the notice.