DU teacher removed from classes over ‘terrorist’ remark

Dhaka University has removed English Department Associate Professor Tasnim Siraj Mahbub from all classes after she was accused of calling a niqab-wearing student a “fundamentalist” and “terrorist.”

The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the department’s academic committee on Thursday (October 8), following a written complaint from students.

The teacher’s courses have been redistributed among other faculty members, while the department decided to inform the university’s higher authorities about the incident.

The allegations arose during a Master’s class on Wednesday (October 7). Students alleged that the teacher made remarks about the student’s niqab and expressed concern that she might pose a security threat. The student subsequently left the class, followed by other students, and most of the class later boycotted the session in protest.

English Department Chairman Prof Dr Tazin Aziz Chowdhury said the emergency academic committee meeting was held following a written complaint from students. He said the department had reassigned the teacher’s courses based on a resolution adopted at the meeting.

He said the department does not have the authority to take final disciplinary action and would inform the university’s higher authorities. Under university rules, the vice-chancellor, Academic Council and Syndicate will take any necessary further decision.

-AH