Tension has erupted on the campus of Rajshahi University following remarks made by Dr A. A. Mamun, a professor in the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, regarding elected representatives of the female hall council.
On Monday night, students held demonstrations demanding punishment for the professor, alleging that his social media post insulted the hijab. Confronted with growing protests, Professor Mamun publicly expressed regret for his remarks on Tuesday morning around 11 a.m.
At noon, the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) submitted a memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor and the head of the Mass Communication and Journalism Department, outlining a five-point demand that included disciplinary action against the professor.
Late on Monday night, Dr Mamun shared a Facebook post from his personal timeline, showing a photo from the oath-taking ceremony of the female hall council. His caption read: “I endorse this personal freedom. Tomorrow I’ll exercise similar personal freedom by wearing a two-quarter outfit and carrying a bottle of liquor into class. Alcohol isn’t a drug, after all! I even have a licence to drink! Shibir members and journalists are welcome!”
The post was deleted within minutes, and the professor later claimed that he had no intention of mocking anyone’s attire.
However, screenshots of the post quickly spread across social media, sparking outrage among students. Around 11 p.m., protesters gathered at the Joha Chattar area, later marching through the female dormitories before converging in front of the Mass Communication and Journalism Department at Rabindra Bhaban.
Chanting slogans such as “Mamun, go wash away your liquor smell,” “One, two, three, four, Mamun is no more,” and “Expel Mamun immediately,” students demanded swift action.
As the controversy spread across the campus and social media, Dr Mamun posted an apology the following morning.
He wrote: “I protested against the 1/11 government and even went to jail for it. Since 2013, I have consistently criticised oppression and injustice, both on and off campus, through Facebook posts and publications. During the July movement, I stood by students as a teacher, supporting their activism.”
He continued: “At the fall of the autocratic Sheikh Hasina regime, I dreamt of a new Bangladesh. But things did not unfold as I had hoped, leaving me deeply frustrated. In a moment of despair, I wrote something that should not have been written. It was never my intention.”
Dr Mamun added: “Realising that my post might be misread, I removed it immediately. My views on attire are clear — I do not judge anyone based on clothing. I have even defended the hijab in previous posts. Those familiar with my writings on the ‘War on Terror’ know that I do not ridicule or insult anyone’s faith.”
“I posted impulsively to provoke deeper reflection, but someone took a screenshot and spread it instantly. If anyone has been hurt, I sincerely apologise. I have always wished the best for my students.”
The Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) has submitted a five-point demand calling for punitive measures against the professor. The union warned that if the administration fails to act, they will initiate further programmes under organisational authority.
In the memorandum submitted to Vice-Chancellor Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib and the department chair, RUCSU outlined the following demands:
- Dr A. A. Mamun must publicly apologise for his offensive and discriminatory comments.
- A full investigation must be conducted, and disciplinary action taken in accordance with the findings for violating professional ethics and university regulations.
- The administration must adopt a firm and transparent policy against hateful or provocative attitudes.
- Preventive and exemplary measures should be taken to ensure no teacher or staff member insults a student’s religious identity, attire, or beliefs in the future.
- The university should arrange seminars or orientation programmes promoting tolerance, equality, and respect for religious freedom among teachers and students.
The memorandum stated that Dr Mamun had repeatedly made “derogatory and prejudiced” remarks about the attire, faith, and personal freedom of female representatives elected to the hall council, using terms such as burqa, extremist, liquor, and sexual revolution.
It further alleged that he had previously invited journalists and student organisations to attend a class where he would appear in “two-quarter clothes” with a liquor bottle in hand — a statement students described as provocative and a “serious breach of academic ethics and professional conduct.”
RUCSU warned that failure to take prompt action would compel them to initiate peaceful and organised movements: “We expect the university administration to swiftly investigate this matter and take appropriate measures to maintain a safe and respectful academic environment. If no action is taken, we will proceed with further organisational programmes accordingly.”