DIU lecturer suspended for asking students to attend class instead of attending protest for Gaza
Syed Mizanur Rahman Raju, the university spokesperson and Director of External Affairs, confirmed the decision, saying that Tahmina Rahman had been suspended, and further action would be taken in line with the university's regulations, which would result in her permanent termination
Tahmina Rahman, a lecturer at Daffodil International University (DIU) at the Department of Journalism, Media and Communication, has been suspended for opposing the decision of students to participate in the global strike for Gaza campaign.
Syed Mizanur Rahman Raju, the university spokesperson and Director of External Affairs, confirmed the decision, saying that Tahmina Rahman had been suspended, and further action would be taken in line with the university's regulations, which would result in her permanent termination.
Raju explained that Tahmina had warned students in a WhatsApp group that they would receive double absences if they skipped classes to show solidarity with Gaza's atrocities.
"The university had already expressed its support for the students' decision, and she cannot make independent decisions on this matter. If the students opted to cut class, they were only allowed a maximum of one absence, not double. The threat of issuing double absences was against university policy," Raju said.
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Besides, the manner in which Rahman spoke to students in the WhatsApp group, including the language and words she used, was deemed inappropriate for a university lecturer.
"Such behaviour is not acceptable from a faculty member and violates university regulations," he added, confirming that the administration took action based on these violations.
On Sunday, April 6, in solidarity with universities worldwide, Daffodil University students decided to participate in the 'No Work, No School' movement. Following this, students from the Journalism Department chose to boycott classes on Monday.
In response, Tahmina threatened to give them double absences and made disparaging remarks about the solidarity actions related to Gaza.
Screenshots of her WhatsApp messages quickly went viral on social media, triggering widespread criticism.
The university administration clarified that they had already declared support for the students' campaign. An investigation is underway to understand why Tahmina acted in this manner.
After the incident gained traction on social media, Tahmina posted an apology on her Facebook account, claiming that she had intended to hold an online class and that the students could have participated in class if they wished.
She also stated that the situation had been misrepresented and clarified her stance.
