The head of a West Bengal government-aided madarsa has allegedly been facing “attacks” from “local fundamentalists” for his advocacy of “progressive” educational reforms, family sources claimed on Saturday.
The headmaster of Talpukur Ara High Madarsa in Metiabruz area of south-west Kolkata, Kazi Masum Akhtar, has been prohibited from carrying on his duties at the madrasa, unless he sports Islamic attire and grows a beard, according to his wife Refika Akhtar.
A family member from Akhtar’s family added:
As an ad hoc measure to help Kazi Masum retain his job, the education department of the state government has asked him to register attendance at the office of the district inspector of schools.
However, “The state government has failed to ensure security. We live under the shadow of terror,” Refika said.
Family members claimed the commissioner of Kolkata Police has written a report filed before the Minorities’ Commission that Kazi Masum could come under attack even if the police escorted him to and from the madarsa.
Managing committee secretary of the madarsa, Sirajul Islam Mondal termed the allegations “as baseless”. He told IANS:
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)