University Teachers Network condemns calling Begum Rokeya 'Murtad, Kafir'

University Teachers Network has expressed deep concern and condemnation over a comment by a university teacher about an enlightened person like Begum Rokeya.

They said that the comment made by Rajshahi University teacher Khandaker Mahmudul Hasan was seriously unfair, disrespectful and irresponsible. At the same time, they have called on the teacher to withdraw his statement.

The Teachers Network condemned and protested in a press release on Thursday.

The release said that the way in which Rajshahi University physics teacher Khandaker Mahmudul called Begum Rokeya 'Murtad and Kafir' is embarrassing for the entire teaching community. Such narrow and irresponsible comments make the path of all women, including Bengali Muslim women, risky. These comments also incite religious intolerance in society and increase violence against women online and offline.

Remembering Begum Rokeya's contribution to women's education, the release further said, "Begum Rokeya was a unique pioneer of women's education, human values ​​and equality in Bengal and the then Indian subcontinent. She fought against blind prejudice, discrimination and ignorance. She was not a religious fanatic; rather, she criticized the narrow interpretation of religion used to oppress women in society."