Five youths have been fined 60,000 taka and caned 50 times in Dharmapasha of Sunamganj for harassing schoolgirls.

This punishment and fine was imposed in the arbitration meeting at Abdur Rashid Memorial High School premises of Sukhair Rajapur North Union of Upazila on Sunday (March 17).
It is known that some female students used to come and go to Abdur Rashid Memorial High School in front of Sukhaid village. Last Sunday, their parents told the school authorities in writing that on that afternoon some young girls of Sukhair village harassed the girls. When the accused chased the girls, the locals detained them. Later, in view of the complaints of the parents, an arbitration meeting was held in the school premises in the presence of more than 150 people. Head teacher Azharul Islam, school management committee members Ershad Mia, Deepak Roy and Nuru Mia were present along with local dignitaries.

At that time, as a punishment, the accused were slapped 50 times and each was fined 12,000 taka. On that day, the accused paid a total of four thousand rupees and were released on the condition of paying the remaining amount after Eid.
The elder brother of one of the accused youths said that the accused were satisfied with the hearing. They didn't want money. Still fined. We all collected Tk 4,000 with interest and gave it to Ershad Mia, a member of the school management committee. The remaining amount should be paid after Eid. We are poor people, how can we pay so much money.

When asked about this, Ershad Mia said that the accused made indecent gestures and chased after the girls. They are afraid of it. Penalties have been imposed to prevent the accused from doing so in future.
When asked what will happen to the fine, Ershad Mia said that the fine will be kept in the school fund. Later he changed that statement.
School head teacher Azharul Islam said, I wanted to inform the administration about this matter. But both parties took the initiative of local arbitration. I was the president of the arbitration. Penalty has been imposed according to the decision of the seven-member committee present in it.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Dharmapasha Thana Police in this regard. Shamsuddoha said that neither the victims, their families nor the school authorities informed the matter. If complaints are received, action will be taken subject to investigation.
Upazila secondary education officer Mahbubul Kabir said that the matter could have been done through legal process instead of settling it locally.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Gias Uddin said, I am not aware of the matter. I will look into it.