Rajshahi, July 18 (V7N) – Serious allegations have emerged against the Rajshahi Women’s Technical Training Center (WTTC), where the institution is reportedly being held hostage by an unlawful syndicate led by its acting principal, Shafiqul Islam. Despite officially heading the institute, Shafiqul is said to make all major administrative decisions based on the advice of two specific individuals: guest trainer Muni Akhter, associated with the ASEIP project’s block batik and screen printing courses, and outsider Atikur Rahman, who claims to be the institution’s chief instructor without providing valid documentation to support the claim.
 
Sources within the institution allege that Shafiqul routinely ignores the opinions and suggestions of permanent faculty and staff under the government revenue payroll, treating them with disdain and at times using abusive language. This pattern of behavior has reportedly persisted over an extended period, fostering a climate of resentment and demoralization among teachers, officers, and employees.
 
According to internal sources, the syndicate consists of five individuals:
 
Acting Principal Shafiqul Islam, Atikur Rahman – claims to be Chief Instructor (status disputed), Muni Akhter – Guest Trainer under the ASEIP project, Shayla Sharmin – Shafiqul’s wife and a guest trainer in garments, and Shahanaz Naznin – Instructor in the Garment Trade
 
These individuals are accused of marginalizing permanent staff and exerting excessive control over the institution’s internal affairs. Despite longstanding discontent among regular staff members, fear of retaliation has kept most from voicing their concerns publicly.
 
Media reports, both national and local, have previously highlighted various irregularities at the center. Allegations extend beyond administrative issues and include political manipulation. Sources claim that Shafiqul Islam and Muni Akhter were once outspoken supporters of the now-defunct Awami League government. However, following the party’s fall on August 5, both reportedly shifted their political stance, now presenting themselves as advocates for anti-discrimination ideologies—allegedly as a strategy for self-preservation.
 
One source indicated that Muni’s position at the institution was secured through a recommendation from Shahin Akhter Reni, wife of former and currently absconding Rajshahi City Mayor and Awami League presidium member AHM Khairuzzaman Liton. Muni has remained a guest trainer ever since.
 
When asked to clarify his role, Atikur Rahman responded, “I am a teacher here. How can I be considered an outsider?” However, he failed to provide any official documentation verifying his employment status.
 
Muni Akhter, when contacted for her response, denied all allegations against her as baseless.
 
Acting Principal Shafiqul Islam, in response to the claims, flatly denied the existence of any syndicate. “Who has made these allegations? Give me their name,” he said angrily. “There are no irregularities here.”
 
Despite the official denials, the growing body of reports and insider testimonies suggest a persistent culture of internal dysfunction and unchecked administrative influence at the Rajshahi WTTC.
 
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