RU teacher faces allegations of ‘derogatory remarks’ concerning Hijab

 Bangla Press Desk:  Tension has gripped Rajshahi University (RU) after students accused Professor A-Al Mamun, a faculty at the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, of making a “derogatory remark” about the hijab in a Facebook post related to a female dormitory election.

The controversy erupted late Monday night when students launched a demonstration on campus, claiming the professor’s social media post insulted religious sentiments and women’s dignity.

The protest intensified as students gathered at the Zoha Chattar, marched around female dormitories and later held a rally in front of the Rabindra Bhaban building, demanding disciplinary action against the teacher.

Amid the backlash, Professor Mamun apologized publicly around 11am on Tuesday, saying his post had been misunderstood and that he did not intend to mock anyone’s dress or faith.

Professor’s explanation

In his clarification post, Mamun said he wrote the earlier message “impulsively out of frustration” and that he had deleted it soon after realizing it could be misinterpreted.

“I never meant to ridicule anyone’s clothing. My views on attire are clear. I don’t judge people based on what they wear. I have, in fact, defended hijab on multiple occasions,” he wrote.

“If anyone has been hurt by my post, I sincerely apologize. I have always stood by students and wish them well.”

RUCSU submits memorandum

Earlier at noon, the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) submitted a five-point memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor and the head of the Mass Communication and Journalism Department, demanding disciplinary action against the professor.

The protesters have laid out a series of demands addressing the incident involving Professor Mamun.

First and foremost, they are calling for the professor to issue a public apology for what they describe as his “offensive and hateful remarks.”

They also want a thorough investigation into the matter, urging that disciplinary action be taken under university regulations if any misconduct is proven.

Beyond addressing the immediate issue, the demonstrators are pushing for institutional reforms. They are demanding that the university administration take a firm and principled stance, establishing clear guidelines to prevent any form of hate-motivated or provocative behavior on campus.

To ensure such incidents do not recur, they have called for preventive and exemplary measures, emphasizing that no teacher or staff member should ever insult or undermine a student’s religious identity, attire or personal beliefs.

Finally, they have urged the university to organize programs promoting tolerance, equality and respect for religious freedom, initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive and respectful campus environment for both teachers and students.

In the memorandum, RUCSU alleged that the professor made “provocative and discriminatory comments” on social media regarding the personal attire and religious identity of female student representatives, using words such as “bourka,” “kathmollah,” “liquor” and “sexual revolution.”

They also said his invitation for students and journalists to attend a class where he would wear “two-quarters” and carry a “liquor bottle” was “highly inflammatory and unethical.”

Warning of further action

RUCSU leaders warned that if the university administration fails to act promptly, they would launch peaceful but organized protest programs.

“We hope the administration will investigate and take appropriate measures swiftly to maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive academic environment,” the statement added.

BP/SP