Muktadesh Desk: The controversial comments made by Professor A. Al Mamun of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Rajshahi University (RU) on the hijab have created an unstable atmosphere on the campus. Students protested against him on Monday night. He has already posted an apology on social media Facebook. Despite this, the students have demanded his punishment.
In a Facebook post around 10:30 am on Tuesday, Professor A. Al Mamun wrote, “I have served time in jail for marching against the 11-12 government. Since 2013, I have criticized the oppression and tyranny on and off campus in various ways until 2024, on Facebook and in books. All of that is scattered. I was actively with the students in the July Movement. As a teacher, I supported the protesters. At the time of the fall of the dictator Sheikh Hasina, I dreamed of a completely new Bangladesh. But many events have happened since then, Bangladesh did not move in the direction I wanted. I am deeply disappointed.’
He wrote, ‘Frustrated, I write something that I shouldn’t have written. I didn’t mean to write it. Realizing that it would be a miss-reading, I immediately removed the post. My thoughts on clothing are clear – I don’t see anyone as big or small because of their clothing. I will get many posts defending the “hijab”. This lesson was learned while criticizing my “eternal war on terror”. As a result, I don’t make any mockery or disrespect of what you think. I posted it in a moment and personalized it, to make you think more about it. But at that moment, someone took a screenshot of the post and spread it. If you notice, there are no likes, comments, shares, or interactions on that post!’
The teacher also wrote, ‘Even then, if someone was hurt, I am sorry. I always wish the best for the students. I hope that the confusing tension will subside this time. I do not want the teachers and students of my department to face any difficulties or get involved in conflicts with students of other departments due to the tension that has spread around me! Best wishes to everyone.’
Meanwhile, representatives of the Central Students’ Union (RACSU) submitted a memorandum to the university administration at 11 am on Tuesday demanding the trial of teacher Al Mamun.
The memorandum was submitted to the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Main Uddin Khan and the President of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism Professor Mozammel Hossain Bakul.
