19 May 2016

Bangladesh headmaster: Shyamal Kanti Bhakta reinstated after sacking

The Bangladeshi government has reinstated a headmaster who was sacked after being publicly humiliated over allegations that he insulted Islam.

Shyamal Kanti Bhakta, who is a Hindu, was made to hold his ears while performing squats, before being beaten.

Many Bangladeshis were angered by his treatment, posting photos of themselves holding their ears in solidarity.

The government said the sacking was illegal and dismissed the school board. Mr Bhakta denies insulting Islam.

"The head teacher was a victim of injustice. This was a heinous act," Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid said.

But he made no mention of local MP AKM Selim Osman who was present at the teacher's ritual humiliation in Narayanganj District near Dhaka last Friday. [BBC] Read more