College teacher temporarily suspended for facebook post paying respects to Bangabandhu

A lecturer at Nandangachhi College in Charghat upazila, Rajshahi, has been temporarily suspended over a Facebook post regarding Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The decision regarding Soheli Akter, a lecturer in the Home Economics department, was taken during an emergency meeting of the college’s governing body on Monday. However, she was not issued any show-cause notice prior to her suspension.

Marking the death anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Soheli Akter posted a photocard on her personal Facebook account bearing the words "Deepest Condolences" alongside a picture of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Saturday. In the caption, she wrote, "Humble respect."

Soheli Akter stated, "I do not know whether I have been temporarily suspended or not. I don't even know what my fault is. I took leave on Sunday and came away. I don't know what happened today (Monday). I have nothing to say."

According to reports, Soheli Akter verbally took leave from the principal when she went to college on Sunday. That day, her Facebook post caught the attention of college students and locals. Subsequently, the Nandangachhi College Chhatra Dal announced a protest procession for Monday morning at 10:00 AM demanding action against the teacher.

On Monday morning, Chatra Dal activists gathered at the college and demanded Soheli Akter's permanent expulsion and legal action against her. Following this, the emergency meeting of the college governing body decided to suspend her temporarily.

Sahedur Rahman Sahed, convener of the Nandangachhi College Chatra Dal who led the protest march, said, "Soheli mam is trying to establish Awami League ideology in the college. Her father was the vice-president of the district Awami League. Her entire family is involved in Awami League politics. She made a post on Facebook marking the death anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Therefore, we have demanded her permanent expulsion."

College Principal Wahedul Islam said, "Lecturer Soheli Akter, being an employee of the republic, cannot make such anti-state posts on Facebook. Therefore, to maintain discipline in the college, the decision has been taken to temporarily suspend her."

Saiful Islam, president of the college governing body and general secretary of the Nimpara union BNP in Charghat, said, "We sat and unanimously temporarily suspended Soheli Akter. She has not been show-caused yet. However, a decision regarding that will also be made."