An attempt was made to forcibly take over Averroes International School in the capital’s Lalmatia area. On Wednesday morning, associates of the former principal—who was removed after August 5 due to allegations of using forged certificates—entered the premises and attacked teachers and staff.
In a press conference held at the school’s Lalmatia branch on Wednesday afternoon, the institution’s Chairman, Md. Akhtaruzzaman, described the incident as a premeditated attack.
Details of the Attack Akhtaruzzaman stated that a group carried out the attack in the morning on the instructions of former principal Anisur Rahman Sohag. Teachers and staff were assaulted and injured during the incident, which occurred while examinations were taking place.
“The small children have never seen such an incident in their lives,” the Chairman said, assuring parents that there is no need for panic as security measures at the school will be significantly strengthened.
Allegations Against the Former Principal Md. Akhtaruzzaman informed that Sohag was removed from the post of Principal in December 2024. He alleged that the educational certificate submitted by Sohag was forged, a claim later validated when the University Grants Commission (UGC) declared it illegal. Subsequently, the Dhaka Education Board also ordered his removal. Additionally, a writ has been filed in the High Court regarding allegations of embezzlement from the institution’s funds and bank accounts.
The Chairman further claimed that 42 of Anisur Rahman Sohag’s relatives are currently employed at the institution and are involved in various irregularities.
Administrative Measures During the press conference, the Chairman announced that all employees involved in the attack would be terminated. CCTV footage of the incident will be handed over to the administration. He also mentioned that two school buses would be introduced starting in January and that construction work for a permanent campus would commence soon. Furthermore, he declared that the ownership would not take any financial benefits from the institution in the future.
Background of the Conflict Noting that Anisur Rahman Sohag was not a founding member, the Chairman explained that he had to be included in the institution without any capital investment due to political pressure at the time. Sohag was reportedly inducted following pressure from an Awami League leader from Jhalakathi, Barisal.
In response to another question, Akhtaruzzaman mentioned that police had previously arrested Golam Mostafa, an accused in a murder case filed during the anti-discrimination movement, from in front of the school. Later, Mostafa’s associates gathered, assaulted the police, and snatched the accused away. The police filed a case regarding this incident, in which Anisur Rahman Sohag is listed as the prime accused.
Arbitration and History Akhtaruzzaman stated that an arbitration board was formed on October 13 to resolve ownership and management disputes. The board members, led by Chairman Professor Muktar Ahmed, conducted an investigation for two and a half months. He claimed that a “malicious circle” carried out the attack to destabilize the situation just as a resolution was reaching its final stage.
School Chairman Md. Akhtaruzzaman noted that he established the institution in 2015. That same year, following the closure of Peace International School, some of its students joined his institution. Since then, the school has been operating with three branches in Lalmatia, Mirpur, and Uttara.
