RU Professor's Post on Hijabi RUCSU Winners Sparks Outrage

A Facebook post by A-Al Mamun, a professor in the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Rajshahi University (RU), has triggered widespread backlash over his remarks on hijab-wearing female students elected to the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU). Students are venting fury in various university online groups, but the professor deleted the post within minutes of the uproar.

In the now-deleted post, Mamun attached photos of the hijabi RUCSU winners and wrote, "I endorse this personal freedom. Tomorrow, I’ll exercise my own personal freedom in class. I’ll wear a two-quarter [lungi] and carry a bottle of alcohol in hand. Alcohol isn’t drugs! I have a license to drink! Shibir, come; journalists, come too!"

The post has drawn sharp criticism from RUCSU VP, GS, and Chatra Dal-Chhatra Shibir leaders on social media.

RUCSU Culture Secretary Jahed Hasan Joha posted on Facebook, "Moral education is crucial. If one doesn’t get it at home, one shouldn’t display foolishness as a university teacher. We warn those who mock religious attire under the guise of civility and normalize unethical acts in the name of personal freedom—they won’t get any leeway."

He added, "Mocking elected representatives insults ordinary students. He must apologize publicly. Otherwise, he will face legal action."

RUCSU GS Salahuddin Ammar wrote, "I’m thinking of visiting the Journalism Department tomorrow. Will Mamun Sir come to class in two-quarter and with a bottle? They’re not from any student organization or political party; they’re directly elected representatives. InshaAllah, I’ll go to the Journalism Department tomorrow to verify your post’s truth. If you have the courage, I’ll find you in the described attire; if not, you must apologize publicly."

Ammar continued, "Mamun Sir was a July hero—I won’t deny that. He defended us against regime-backed teachers during our movements. I acknowledge that openly. But you must answer for this post, Sir."

RU Chhatra Dal branch President Sultan Ahmed Rahi posted, "A university is not just a place for books; it’s a space for free thought. Every student should have freedom in attire, whether wearing hijab or not. Respect each other’s choices, as true education teaches us that."

RU Chhatra Shibir branch President and RUCSU VP Mostakur Rahman Jahid said, "Such impulsive posts by a teacher are poisoning the university environment. The administration must take action against him. He should apologize publicly before all students. And to teachers like you, don’t stoop so low right now. InshaAllah, the expansion of our ideals will cause you more trouble. For your sake, note that most elected representatives in girls’ halls (VP, GS, AGS) are from Shibir-backed panels."

When contacted, Professor A-Al Mamun said, "The discussion around this post is nonsense. I didn’t comment on attire freedom. My critique isn’t about hijab. If someone asks if hijab has historical roots, I can explain. I’ve studied Islamism and secularism, not just media. During 2013–14, when hijab was satirized, who defended them? In the 2018 quota movement, when Tariqul was beaten, who defended them? I did. I was at the forefront of the July revolution too."