Following alleged student protests in Bangladesh, the newly formed interim government has forced the resignation of a Dean at Dhaka University. The resignation came after it was reported that the Dean had prevented students from publicly reciting the Quran. In response, students gathered at the Dean’s office, recited the Quran, and demanded his resignation.
Activist Shihab Ahmed Tuhin shared a video on social media, stating: “This was a Dean at Dhaka University who did not allow students to recite the Quran publicly. Today, students recited the Quran in his office, prayed for his guidance, and forced him to resign. Poetic Justice!”
He was a dean of Dhaka University, who didn’t allow students to recite the Quran Publicly. Today, students recited Quran in his office, make dua for his hidaya and forced him to resign.
Poetic Justice! pic.twitter.com/4vgq0M3UrK— Shihab Ahmed Tuhin (@TuhinShihab) August 19, 2024
Despite widespread coverage of the news, reports suggest that the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Dhaka University resigned due to protests. On social media, some argue that following the social media handles of Bangladesh’s Islamist groups is preferable, as secular media might not provide the full context.
The Dhaka Tribune reported that Professor Abdul Bashir resigned from his position as Dean of the Faculty of Arts, stating in his resignation letter, “I am resigning from the position of Dean of the Faculty of Arts. Please take necessary actions regarding this matter.”
Accusations against Professor Bashir included claims of involvement in the suppression of students. AB Jubair, coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, alleged that Professor Bashir was among those who attacked students and punished those who participated in a Quran recitation program on campus during Ramadan.
Following the resignation, the Quran was recited, and concerns were raised about rising Islamophobia and hostility towards the Quran. Reactions on social media include questions about whether this was truly a student movement or if it had religious undertones. Some have tagged media outlets like the BBC, questioning whether the student protests were genuinely about religious issues or purely political.
Historical perspectives on such movements have been brought into the discussion, with historian S. Irfan Habib questioning whether religious books should be read in universities. He suggested that religious texts should be studied at home, while universities should focus on academic pursuits.
“Why should recitation of any religious book be held in any university? Recite at home and come and do what you are supposed to do in a university. Think and study.”
Why should recitation of any religious book be held in any university? Recite at home and come and do what you are supposed to do in a university. Think and study. https://t.co/usma8Rni0B
— S lrfan Habib एस इरफान हबीब عرفان حبئب (@irfhabib) August 19, 2024
Emerging reports from Bangladesh suggest that the situation is more complex than it appears. Critics argue that the protests may not solely be about removing Sheikh Hasina from power but might involve broader issues. There are concerns that Islamist forces might have hijacked the student movement, although this claim is debated. The involvement of Sheikh Hasina’s opponents is evident, as attacks have targeted her supporters and Hindu communities, raising questions about the nature of these conflicts.
Harris Sultan commented on the situation, suggesting that countries like Bangladesh are being transformed into Islamic hellholes, contrasting them with communist regimes. He described the attacks on Hindus as politically motivated rather than religious.
Despite differing opinions, it is clear that the protests have evolved beyond a simple political movement against Sheikh Hasina, reflecting deeper societal and religious tensions.
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