Khondkar Mohammad Mahmudul Hasan, an associate professor in the Department of Physics at Rajshahi University, has stated that he deleted a social media post in which he referred to Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain as an ‘apostate’ and ‘infidel’ due to increasing pressure from public and social reactions. He explained that following the original post, both he and his family encountered significant difficulties, which have become increasingly burdensome and stressful for them socially, professionally, and personally.
On Wednesday, 10 December, Professor Hasan posted a follow-up message on his Facebook page, clarifying the reasons behind his decision to remove the original content. He wrote, ‘Since posting my previous comments, I have faced many difficulties that have become very heavy for both my family and me. My statement was based on the principle of breaking faith. My words were perceived as a fatwa, and issuing fatwas is the right of scholars, not mine. Therefore, I have deleted my post.’
Prior to this, on Tuesday morning, 9 December, he had shared a post on his personal Facebook timeline in which he made controversial remarks about Begum Rokeya. The original post quickly sparked widespread criticism and debate across social media platforms, drawing attention from citizens and local communities, and turning the topic into a major point of public discussion.
In another post, Professor Hasan elaborated, ‘Begum Rokeya has denied the book revealed by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, rejected the message of Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, labelled him a fraud, and mocked divine commands. Following these actions, it is hard to believe any human could remain faithful.’
He further clarified, ‘My statement may have appeared similar to a fatwa. The authority to issue fatwas belongs to qualified scholars, not to me. In this context, it could be considered unauthorised practice. Anyone with a reasonable understanding of the principles of broken faith would not consider such a person a believer.’
Multiple attempts to contact Professor Hasan at the time of reporting were unsuccessful. The incident has generated extensive reactions across social media and has received significant attention in local media. People from different segments of society are actively discussing the issue, which continues to remain a focal point of public debate and concern.