State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam has come under renewed criticism in Shibganj, Bogura, after more than fifty students were reportedly made to stand under the scorching sun for about 20 minutes to welcome him. The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 17, at the Rokeya Sattar Secondary School field during a government event distributing family cards and saplings to 428 beneficiaries.

The program was part of the Family Card distribution initiative announced by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The event was attended by the Bogura Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and other officials. Videos of students standing in the heat went viral online, sparking widespread criticism and questions about the justification for involving schoolchildren in such a manner. A student said classes were shortened for the event, while a parent and the head teacher gave differing accounts of class schedules and participation.

The Shibganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer said he was unaware of the matter, while the Bogura Deputy Commissioner defended the program as a state event permissible at school grounds during special occasions.