RU Teacher Sparks Outrage Calling Begum Rokeya 'Infidel' on Facebook

A teacher at Rajshahi University (RU) has drawn significant backlash after making a derogatory comment about Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, a widely respected pioneer of women's rights in the subcontinent.

Khandaker Mahmudul Hasan, an associate professor in the Physics department at Rajshahi University, posted a controversial remark on Facebook on Begum Rokeya Day, referring to her as an "apostate, infidel Begum Rokeya."

The post was made on Tuesday, coinciding with the day the country honors Begum Rokeya. The comment quickly went viral and led to widespread public outrage and condemnation from netizens.

Former student SM Atiq sarcastically commented on the 'freedom of speech' allowing a physics teacher to issue 'fatwas' (religious decrees). Zayid Hasan Joha, cultural editor of the RU Central Cultural Alliance, noted that while everyone has their own philosophy, such comments should ideally not be made publicly.

Jahin Biswas Esha, joint general secretary of the RU unit of Chhatra Dal, strongly condemned the statement, calling it an act of "denigrating the entire female society" given Begum Rokeya's profound contribution to women's empowerment in education and politics.

When contacted for comment, Khandaker Mahmudul Hasan defended his post, stating that it contained "all the detailed explanations" and suggested verifying the truth of his statement with a "good scholar."

As of the time of the report, the Rajshahi University authorities had not yet issued an official statement regarding the controversy.