Kishoreganj College Faces Crisis as Non-MPO Teachers and Staff Go Unpaid for Over Two Years

Twenty-nine non-MPO-affiliated teachers and twelve employees at Wali Newaz Khan College in Kishoreganj have been deprived of their salaries for more than two years, a situation they attribute to the alleged arbitrariness and irresponsibility of the Acting Principal, Abdullah Al Mamun. The affected individuals report enduring severe hardship due to the prolonged salary stoppage, though the Acting Principal has categorically denied the allegations.

The teachers and staff disclosed that since the Acting Principal took charge, he has allegedly subjected them to unwarranted misbehavior and arbitrarily withheld their salaries, resulting in a complete lack of payment for over twenty-four months.

Established in 1982 and MPO-listed in 1984, the college currently enrolls approximately 3,300 students. The institution’s annual income is reported to be around BDT 1.90 crore, with an expenditure of BDT 2.80 crore. Despite the figures, the complainants assert that there is no fund deficit and accuse the Acting Principal of concealing accurate financial records.

Several teachers, who spoke on condition of anonymity to the media, confirmed that they have not received their salaries for more than two years. They added that the Principal is highly irregular in attending the college and fails to appoint a responsible delegate, often making him unreachable for important administrative matters.

While official regulations indicate that the National Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) finalizes teacher recruitment, college management can appoint full-time teachers with NTRCA approval in case of a staff shortage. The victims claim that the lack of initiative and goodwill from the Acting Principal is the sole barrier to their payment.

A Guardian Member of the Governing Body, Abu Nasser Mintu Hilali, called for a clear explanation from the Principal and the GB President as to why salaries are being withheld despite the availability of funds. He also noted the Principal’s irregular attendance. Another member, Donor Kamruzzaman Sohel, stated that the Acting Principal’s irregular presence and alleged poor treatment of staff and students are obstructing the institution’s smooth operation.

The National University Representative, Nurun Nahar China, reported that an investigation into the non-MPO teachers’ salary structure was conducted and a report submitted, but the Acting Principal refused to accept it, insisting on the formation of a new committee.

Governing Body President Aminul Islam Ratan acknowledged the severity of the crisis, blaming a “zero position” in funding inherited from the previous administration. He assured that he would call an emergency meeting to find a solution.

In his defense, Acting Principal Abdullah Al Mamun cited over-recruitment stemming from unplanned hiring. He argued that with the current student count below 3,500, paying 120 teachers is financially impossible. He stated that he paid four months of salary arrears after assuming his post and denied all allegations of misbehavior, suggesting the salary issues predate his tenure.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education & ICT) Jesmin Akhter clarified that the college’s own Governing Body is primarily responsible for resolving such matters but confirmed that any formal complaint received will be forwarded to higher authorities.