In the island upazila of Hatiya in Noakhali, UNO Md. Alauddin took an unusual step to promote discipline among students. He made four students caught chatting at night sit down and study.
The incident took place at around 9 pm on Friday near a pond in the residential area of the upazila.
According to eyewitnesses, the four students were playing mobile games near the pond at the upazila’s residential area. While walking by, UNO Alauddin noticed them and approached to ask their identities. It was found that all four had recently passed their SSC examinations. The UNO then took them to a room in front of his official residence and gave them notebooks and pens to begin studying.
Later, the UNO posted a photo of the incident on the upazila administration's official Facebook account, which quickly sparked widespread discussion in the community. Many praised the initiative, with one commenter writing, “This kind of action will help prevent students from wasting time in pointless evening hangouts.” Others, however, pointed out the possible embarrassment felt by the students.
UNO Md. Alauddin commented, “I saw the four chatting at night and brought them in to study. I asked them to memorize and write something, which they did. Later, one of the guardians came and took them all home. I could have taken stricter action, but since they are students, I chose to encourage them to focus on their studies. From now on, if any students are found hanging around in the upazila compound after evening, the same steps will be taken, so that they don’t waste time instead of studying.”
It has been reported that the students are between 15 and 16 years old. Their teachers have expressed support, saying such administrative measures could help increase students’ focus on education.
