Madaripur, Sept 21 (V7N) — Shahinara Begum, headmistress of South Krokirchar Government Primary School in Sahebgram, Madaripur, was seriously injured during an attack over a land dispute, and four days later, police have yet to formally file a case. The victim is currently receiving treatment at the ophthalmology department of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal due to damage to her right eye.

Shahinara Begum, wife of Mangol Khan of Sahebgram, was leading a school cleanliness activity with students on Thursday morning when the attack occurred. Bellal Hossain Khan, son of the late Nehal Khan of Krokirchar village, allegedly accompanied by others, assaulted her over a longstanding land dispute. Another accused, Rabeya Khanum, daughter of Harun or Rashid Khan of the same area, was also implicated. Local residents intervened, forcing the assailants to flee.

Shahinara Begum and her family filed a written complaint at Kalikini Police Station against Bellal Hossain Khan and three others on the same day. Police recorded the incident as a general diary (GD) rather than a formal case and later submitted it to the court. The delay has caused concern for the victim’s family regarding justice.

Initially, Shahinara Begum received treatment at Kalikini Upazila Health Complex and was later referred to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal for specialized eye care. She remains under treatment.

When contacted, the accused denied involvement. Rabeya Khanum claimed, “Shahinara Begum wanted to seize our land. She attacked us along with her supporters, even harming our children. We did not assault her, and due to fear, we could not seek treatment locally.”

Kalikini Police Officer-in-Charge, (OC) Sohel Rana stated that both parties had filed complaints over the land dispute. The headmistress’s complaint has been forwarded to the court, and legal action will follow the court’s decision. Investigation into the other party’s allegations is ongoing.

The incident underscores rising concerns over safety of educators in rural Bangladesh and the delays in formal legal recourse in violent disputes.

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