A schoolteacher detained in Kushtia on Wednesday for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was released by police following the Prime Minister’s intervention.

PM’s Adviser and Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson Mahdi Amin confirmed the matter in a post on his verified Facebook account on Wednesday night.

The teacher was identified as Golam Kibria, also known as Lalon, a Bangla teacher at Pragpur Secondary School in Daulatpur upazila. He is a resident of Pragpur Westpara.

In his post, Mahdi said tension gripped local students, parents and residents following allegedly derogatory and objectionable remarks about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman made by the teacher in a classroom.

Following protests on the school premises, police detained the teacher and took him to the police station, he said.

Mahdi said the Prime Minister became upset after learning about the incident and instructed the police station concerned to release the teacher respectfully and ensure that he was safely taken home.

Following his directive, police subsequently escorted the teacher safely to his residence, he said.

According to the adviser, the Prime Minister believes that people may hold differing views and that every individual has the right to their own perspective and opinion.

“Even if we disagree with someone’s opinion, we should respect their right to express it,” he said, conveying the Prime Minister’s view.

Mahdi said respect for differences of opinion and freedom of expression is the strength of democracy.

The Prime Minister also believes that positive behaviour, mutual respect and a culture of coexistence will strengthen society, he said.