Ctg headteacher threatened by ‘David Jihad’ after student handed to police

A headteacher in Chattogram's Lohagara has alleged that he and his family were threatened over the phone after a teenager allegedly involved in dragging a ninth-grader out of school premises was handed over to police.

Jamal Uddin Sumon, headteacher of Iqra Abdul Jabbar High School, said he received the call on Saturday evening. The caller, who identified himself as "David Jihad", allegedly warned him not to file a case over the incident and threatened him and his family.

CCTV footage from the school shows several youths entering the premises and dragging ninth-grader Abdullah, 15, outside. After reviewing the footage, Jamal and his colleague Najib tried to identify those involved.

They later detained Abdullah's classmate Ayan in front of Insaf Restaurant at Bottoli Station, alleging his involvement. The other youths fled. Ayan was subsequently handed over to Lohagara police.

Jamal said Ayan had previously been detained with a hockey stick about a year ago but was released after his guardians gave a written undertaking.

The headteacher said he recorded Saturday's threatening call. The number used was reportedly registered to Ripon, a student of Baro Aulia College in Lohagara.

Ripon said Jihad was known to him and had taken his phone to make a call, but claimed he did not know whom Jihad had contacted or why.

Ayan was later released after giving a written undertaking, according to school authorities. A meeting involving the guardians of both sides was subsequently held at the police station.

"We informed police initially to ensure the school's safety. As the boys are minors and their guardians assured us the incident would not recur, the matter was resolved at the police station," Jamal said.

He said he remained concerned about the safety of himself and his family and was considering legal action over the alleged threat.

Lohagara police station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Abdullah said police were aware of the incident involving the student but had received no written complaint over the alleged threat.

He said police had asked Jamal to file a complaint, but both sides later agreed to settle the matter socially. The person who identified himself as "David Jihad" also took part in the discussion.

"As the headteacher and the caller know each other, the matter was resolved through discussion," the OC said.