Twenty-two students of Coronation Model Government High School in Chattogram’s Fatikchhari have been expelled for varying periods after a series of clashes between ninth and tenth graders over a smoking incident.

The school’s headteacher, Md Nazimuddin Sarker, confirmed the disciplinary action in a notice issued yesterday (12 August) afternoon.

According to the notice, 14 of the expelled students are from Class 10 and 13 from Class 9. Two Class 9 students have been permanently expelled and issued transfer certificates. Five Class 10 students have been expelled but will be allowed to sit for their final exams as the academic year nears its end. Fifteen other students — seven from Class 9 and eight from Class 10 — have been suspended until 30 August.

Headteacher Nazimuddin Sarker said the trouble began last week when a journalist visited the school and photographed several Class 10 students smoking. “The students became angry, vandalised his motorcycle, and I had to call them to my office. I also summoned their guardians and ensured compensation for the journalist,” he said.

However, on 6 August, the journalist published the images on an online platform. “Some Class 9 students claimed the school’s image had been tarnished and attacked the Class 10 students involved. Teachers intervened and resolved it, but on 9 August, Class 10 students retaliated, leading to another fight,” the headteacher said.

A school probe committee investigated the incident and confirmed the students’ involvement. Based on its recommendations, the school issued punishments and notified the students and their guardians in writing.