Teacher Suspended, Senior Students Involved in Discipline Checks

A controversy has erupted at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College in Dhaka’s Bashundhara branch, where a teacher, Fazilatun Nahar, has been accused of kicking out several sixth-grade students from class for wearing hijabs. The incident has sparked widespread debate, with conflicting accounts emerging from parents, students, and faculty. The school’s practice of using senior students to enforce disciplinary measures, including dress code checks, has also come under scrutiny, as these students were reportedly involved in the incident.

According to a parent citing their child’s account, two ninth-grade student volunteers, acting on a class captain’s list, conducted routine disciplinary checks before Fazilatun Nahar, an assistant English teacher, entered the sixth-grade classroom. The volunteers were instructed to take students with dress code issues outside for further inspection. When Nahar arrived, she allegedly advised students to wear scarves compliant with the school’s dress code after one student sought clarification on permissible headwear. However, parents and media reports claim that 20 to 22 students were removed from class for wearing hijabs and faced inappropriate behavior from the teacher.

Accused teacher Fazilatun Nahar, speaking to The Daily Campus, clarified that the volunteers were checking for disciplinary breaches when Nahar entered. The teacher reportedly advised one student who asked about headwear to follow the school’s dress code by wearing a scarf, denying any directive to remove hijabs or target students specifically. “The issue was not about calling students out or issuing instructions; it was a response to a specific query,” the teacher said, dismissing claims of widespread expulsion as exaggerated.

The incident that took place on 24 August during the sixth period of the sixth-grade ‘C’ section has drawn significant attention. Parents allege that while students attended other classes without issue, Nahar singled them out during her period, likening their hijabs to those worn in madrasas and behaving rudely. In response, Nahar issued a written apology to Acting Principal Majeda Begum on 25 August, denying the allegations as “false and motivated.” She expressed regret if any misunderstanding arose and sought leniency pending an investigation.

On 26 August, the school administration suspended Nahar temporarily, as announced in a notice signed by Majeda Begum. The notice cited allegations of expelling 22 students for wearing hijabs and issued a show-cause notice, giving Nahar seven working days to explain why she should not face permanent dismissal. The school has formed an investigation committee, with a report expected by 27 August. Majeda Begum told The Daily Campus, “We have no intention of interfering with religious practices. Everyone is free to follow their faith. A thorough investigation will determine the appropriate action.”

The involvement of senior students in disciplinary roles has raised questions. Sources indicate that Viqarunnisa Noon School relies on student volunteers to monitor discipline, including dress code compliance, as part of a skill-building initiative, rather than employing dedicated staff. This practice, however, has sparked criticism following the hijab incident, with parents and observers questioning its appropriateness.

The controversy has fueled discussions on social media and in the press, with some reports amplifying the issue as a violation of religious freedom. The administration’s response and the ongoing investigation will likely shape the resolution of this sensitive matter, as stakeholders await clarity on the school’s policies and the teacher’s actions.