Gofran Palash, Kalapara (Patuakhali)

 Once again in the spotlight is Professor Dr. Fatema Heren, the attached principal of Government Mozahar Uddin Biswas College in Kalapara, Patuakhali, currently OSD at the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), and known as an accomplice of fascism. 

This time, students of HSC first year staged a protest and human chain in the rain demanding reduction of final exam fees, bringing her actions back under discussion.

 Over 150 students participated in a protest and human chain on the college campus chanting slogans against Professor Dr. Fatema Heren  on Wednesday noon. 

Students reported that the college authorities had set exam fees ranging from 1,690 to 3,000 taka. They were handed handwritten slips on plain paper instead of official receipts for the additional fees collected for the exams.

According to the students, nearby Amtali Government College collects less money from its students, while in Kalapara, they are being charged significantly more. They tried to communicate with the principal about this issue, but she refused to listen. This compelled them to protest. They also said the protest would continue unless the exam fees are reduced.

Previously, during honors form fill-up, students filed a complaint with the UNO over similar excessive charges. The complaint revealed that fees were being collected under heads like ID card, student parliament, magazine, Rover Scout, BNC, Girls Guide, and transport—even though no activities or services existed under those categories. Students were unwilling to pay these charges. The issue was later resolved following the intervention of the UNO.

Meanwhile, a source at Government MB College, who preferred to remain anonymous, claimed that Fatema Heren, once known to be closely associated with the Awami League, shifted her allegiance after August 5 and built rapport with several BNP-aligned teachers and heavyweight leaders. She allegedly misused 4.4 million taka from the college’s bank account, bypassing the directive to deposit the money into the government treasury. The funds were reportedly spent on beautifying her office, installing ACs, and other irregular expenditures. Furthermore, revenue from the sale of fish from the college pond, trees on campus, and approximately 2.5 tons of iron doors and windows to scrap dealer Chan Mia were not deposited in the government account.

In response to all allegations, Professor Dr. Fatema Heren denied any wrongdoing and said, “No additional exam fee was set. I was busy with a college event today; instead of approaching me, they staged a rally shouting ‘Joy Bangla’ on campus.”

She added, “The fees were set as per government regulations. Those who didn’t take the trimester exams had dues pending, which is why the amount seems higher to them. In fact, the fees are lower than other government colleges. The students misunderstood and protested. We are working to explain and resolve the issue with them. Also, since we instructed students to pay via Rocket, we are issuing handwritten slips to those who haven’t yet submitted payment slips. Once they show the Rocket payment receipt, we issue their admit cards. All college financial matters are maintained properly,” she claimed.

It is mentioned that despite being appointed Secretary of Barisal Education Board, Dr. Fatema Heren couldn’t assume her role on January 27 due to student opposition. Her attempt to join BM College as Vice Principal was also thwarted by student protests. Students allege that Professor Dr. Fatema Heren had long benefited from ties with the Awami League.