Solidarity for Beauty Pal: Protest grows with song videos on Facebook

Teachers, journalists, writers and people from various professions across the country have come forward in support of Beauty Rani Pal, the head teacher of Pitaitikar Government Primary School in Fenchuganj upazila, Sylhet, and a district-level best teacher. In response to criticism and trolling over a video of her walking to a song on social media, they are expressing solidarity by posting their own videos with the same song.

A video recently went viral showing Beauty Rani Pal walking in the school premises to the song "Shraboner meghgulo joro hoyeche akashe." After the video was shared, a group began trolling her and even demanded action against her.

In protest, teachers and ordinary citizens from various parts of the country posted their own videos with the same song, stating that enjoying nature or expressing personal feelings is not a crime.

Journalist Rimu Siddique posted her own video and wrote, "Rain is sometimes joy, sometimes sadness, and sometimes an expression of feeling. There is no reason to see a teacher enjoying the rain as indecency or a crime." She added that criticism should be directed against corruption, irresponsibility and unethical activities—not against innocent joy.

Teacher Deepa Mandal wrote that while teachers are expected to be skilled in dance, song and creativity, they face criticism for expressing even a small amount of joy in their personal lives. She questioned how a teacher in a saree walking normally could be perceived as obscene.

Shayful Islam Liku wrote that teachers are human too. They have emotions, exhaustion and joy. He called on everyone to raise their voices against the culture of harassing teachers by making trivial matters viral on social media.

Children's author Humayun Kabir Dali said a teacher is not a machine—they are flesh and blood. They too have the right to express joy, sorrow and emotions. If the conduct is decent, it is acceptable for all, not just for a specific profession.

Journalist Jhorna Moni shared her childhood memories with Beauty Pal, writing that she has been associated with song, dance and cultural activities since her childhood. Her active participation in various school events was a natural part of her life.

Beauty Rani Pal said it is a personal matter. Before being a teacher, she is a human being and a woman. She too has the right to joy, feelings and to live life on her own terms. She said that as a district-level best teacher, she earned this honour based on her work efficiency, dedication and competence.