Teacher Accused of Spreading Communal Confusion Over Namaz Issue: Charilam School Inspector Clarifies

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, February 1, 2026

A controversy has emerged in Charilam under Sepahijala district following allegations by a school teacher regarding restrictions on offering namaz during school hours. However, the local School Inspector has categorically denied the allegations, stating that there has been no infringement on religious freedom and accusing the teacher of creating unnecessary communal confusion.

The teacher involved, Khorshed Alam, who is posted at Dasdha SB School, had alleged that he was prevented from offering namaz during school hours. He further claimed that he was not allowed to briefly step outside the school premises on Fridays to perform Jumma namaz, which generally takes around 20 minutes.

According to Khorshed Alam, he has been following the practice for several years of completing his academic responsibilities early on Fridays and then leaving the school briefly to offer namaz. He alleged that this long-standing practice was disrupted after Uttam Kumar Dutta assumed charge as the School Inspector of Charilam.

The matter gained traction after the teacher took to social media, claiming that denial of permission to offer namaz amounted to an attack on his constitutional right to practice religion. His posts sparked discussions within the teaching community and among local residents, with some questioning whether such restrictions are permissible under service rules.

However, School Inspector Uttam Kumar Dutta has strongly refuted the allegations. Clarifying his position, he stated that there is no question of interfering with anyone’s religious practices.

“Work is meant for the workplace, and religion is a personal matter,” Dutta said. “At no point have I stopped anyone from offering namaz. I have not imposed any ban, nor have I obstructed religious practices.”

He emphasized that during working hours, teachers are expected to remain engaged in their official duties and ensure that academic activities are not disrupted. According to him, the issue is being misrepresented, and the attempt to project it as a religious restriction is misleading and capable of creating communal misunderstanding.

The inspector further indicated that schools function under established service norms and discipline, and any activity during duty hours must align with institutional rules applicable to all, irrespective of religion.

As of now, no formal complaint has been registered with the education department. Officials sources suggest that if required, the matter may be examined to prevent the spread of misinformation and to ensure harmony within educational institutions.

The issue highlights the broader challenge of balancing individual religious practices with professional responsibilities in government service, underscoring the need for clarity, sensitivity, and adherence to established norms without communal overtones.

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