Protests Erupt Over Nannu’s Appointment Amid Criminal Allegations

In Saturia, Jhalokathi, the appointment of Nurul Alam Nannu as president of the newly formed ad-hoc committee of Saturia MM High School has caused widespread anger and protests among students, parents, and alumni. Many are demanding his immediate removal from the position due to his alleged involvement in several serious criminal activities.

Protesters have come forward with serious claims against Nannu, accusing him of being involved in drug trafficking and having multiple ongoing criminal cases across the country, including in Dhaka, Jhalokathi, and Pirojpur. They allege that Nannu faces charges related to terrorism, murder, and abduction. His past actions have raised many concerns, especially about how someone with such a criminal record could be appointed to lead an educational institution.

The role of the school’s acting head teacher, Rina Begum, has also come under scrutiny. Protesters believe she played a key part in helping Nannu secure the presidency. They claim that Rina herself is facing allegations of embezzling school property, committing financial fraud, and abusing her position of power.

One of the most shocking claims made by the protesters comes from a woman who says her husband, Mohammad Mizanur Rahman Jamaddar, was abducted in 2010 from Kuril in Dhaka and murdered by Nannu and his associates. Nannu is reportedly listed as the fourth accused in a murder case that was filed at Mohammadpur Police Station. The woman also claims that following the murder, three other members of her family were also forcibly disappeared. These cases are currently being investigated by a government commission that includes retired High Court judges, human rights activists, and senior administrative officials.

Parents and former students are deeply concerned about the school’s future, fearing that having a person with such a criminal background in charge could damage the reputation of the school and harm its future. Md. Faisal Hossain Himel, President of the Saturia MM High School Development Forum, submitted a formal complaint to the Jhalokathi District Commissioner on March 11, 2025. The investigation was assigned to the Rajapur Upazila Executive Officer, but so far, no significant progress has been made, which has led to even more frustration within the community.

Protesters also believe that Nannu is being protected by powerful political groups, which have allowed him to avoid facing justice. They allege that his brother, Anwarul Alam Bhutto, who works as an official in the Ministry of Law, has used his position to manipulate legal proceedings in favor of Nannu. The protesters are calling for both Nannu and those who are protecting him to be held accountable for their actions.
In addition to these serious allegations, there are claims that Nannu was involved in election rigging during the last national elections. He is said to have worked closely with Awami League candidate Shajahan Omar and local Upazila Chairman Laiju. Now, however, Nannu is reportedly trying to distance himself from these past associations by presenting himself as a leader of the BNP, possibly in an attempt to avoid further political and legal consequences.

The protesters are demanding immediate action. They want Nannu removed from his position as school president and replaced with someone who is honest and qualified. They are also calling for an independent investigation into the corruption allegations against Rina Begum, the acting head teacher, and for her dismissal. Additionally, they want the school to remain free from political interference and are urging authorities to launch a fair and transparent investigation into the serious charges against Nannu.

Parents, students, and locals are now urging the education board, local government officials, and national authorities to take swift action to preserve the reputation of Saturia MM High School. They are calling for justice to be served, so that the school can continue to serve its students and community without being overshadowed by corruption and criminal activity.