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A Rajshahi University teacher has come under fire after branding Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, a pioneer of women’s rights, an “infidel” in a social media post.
Khandaker Mahmudul Hasan, an associate professor of the university’s physics department, made the controversial post on Facebook on Tuesday as the country marked Begum Rokeya Day, bdnews24.com reports.
“Today is the birthday of the apostate, infidel Begum Rokeya," he wrote.
The post quickly went viral, drawing public backlash.
Former student SM Atiq commented under the post, “The 5th of August, 2024, has given us freedom of speech. Thanks to this, physics teachers can now also issue fatwas [religious decree].”
Zayid Hasan Joha, cultural editor of the Rajshahi University Central Cultural Alliance, reacted cautiously.
“Everyone has their own philosophy, and their criteria are different,” he said.
“However, I think it is better not to make such comments publicly. I don’t want to say anything more than that.”
Jahin Biswas Esha, joint general secretary of the university unit of Chhatra Dal, said: “Begum Rokeya is recognised across the subcontinent as a pioneer of women’s rights. Because of her, women today are proving their ability in every field, including education and politics. Making such comments about her means denigrating the entire female society. Such a statement cannot be accepted in any way.”
When approached for comment, Hasan stood by his post. “The post contains all the detailed explanations,” he told bdnews24.com. “If you want to verify the truth of my statement, you can ask a good scholar.”
University authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the controversy.