Sheikh Hasina’s image in national anthem video, two NSTU teachers show-caused

The administration of Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) has issued show-cause notices to two teachers of the Microbiology Department over the appearance of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s image in the background video displayed on the projector during the national anthem performance.

The incident occurred around 11am at an event organized on the occasion of ‘International Microorganism Day-2026’ at the university’s Birshreshtha Shaheed Mohammad Ruhul Amin Auditorium on Thursday (September 17).

On the first day of the programme, a discussion meeting started after a rally. At that time a video was played on the projector for the national anthem performance. Sheikh Hasina’s image appeared for about 10 seconds in the last part of the video.

When the matter came to the notice of the guests present, university treasurer Professor Dr Md Hasan Uddin protested. Later the video was stopped and the national anthem was performed again through audio.

After the incident, show-cause notices were issued to the convener of the programme and associate professor of the Microbiology Department Dr Khandaker Fahmida Sultana and the department chairman Professor Dr Firoz Ahmed. University registrar (in-charge) Mohammad Tamjid Hossain Chowdhury confirmed the issuance of the notices.

The notice described the display of Sheikh Hasina’s image during the national anthem performance as ‘clear misconduct’ and contrary to service discipline. At the same time it termed the incident disrespectful and derogatory to the martyrs and injured of the July mass uprising and asked them to reply within three working days.

Regarding the incident, associate professor Khandaker Fahmida Sultana said the incident was unexpected. Due to the rush of organizing the programme the national anthem video was not properly reviewed. After realising the matter the video was immediately stopped and the national anthem was performed through audio.

Professor Firoz Ahmed said Sheikh Hasina’s image appeared for about 10 seconds in the video played from YouTube. The students in charge did not notice the matter. Later after the issue came to notice regret was expressed.

University treasurer Professor Dr Md Hasan Uddin said the display of Sheikh Hasina’s image in the background of the national anthem was not acceptable to him. He also commented that the responsibility of holding rehearsal or prior preparation before the start of the programme and supervising the entire matter was of the organizers and the departmental head.