7 teachers made OSD over waterlogging disruption during HSC exams in Cumilla

The Education Ministry has transferred seven teachers of Cumilla Govt Mohila College to other colleges across the country over their alleged negligence in addressing the waterlogging crisis that disrupted the HSC exams on 13 April.

Letters have already been issued addressing the penalised teachers in this regard, confirmed the college’s Principal Amena Begum during a conversation with the Kaler Kantho late Thursday.

At first, the ministry made them officers on special duty (OSD) under the Secondary and Higher Education Division. Afterwards, they were transferred to seven different colleges.

The teachers have been instructed to quit their current workplaces by Wednesday.

On 13 April, continuous heavy rainfall led to waterlogging in the Cumilla Govt Mohila College, nearby areas and other parts of Cumilla city, creating significant difficulties for the HSC candidates to reach the exam centre.

After receiving the news, Cumilla district administrator Md Yusuf Molla sent boats and manually-driven vans to help transport HSC students to the college.

However, videos of the boat and van journey drew sharp public rebuke on social media. Netizens expressed alarm that authorities went ahead with the exams despite widespread disruptions, and the risks posed to students’ mental preparedness.

Among the penalised teachers Vice Principal AKM Jahirul Alam has been transferred to Chiora Government College in Chauddagram upazila, Math Professor Md Abdul Malek has been transferred to Cox’s Bazar Government College, Associate Professor for Botany Kanak Barua has been transferred to Hatiya Dwip Government College in Noakhali, and Associate Professor for English Mohammad Mohsin has been transferred to Borguna Government College.

Notably, Cumilla Govt Mohila College Vice Principal AKM Jahirul Alam was not involved with managing the HSC exams, however his son has sat for the tests at the same college.