Teacher’s suspension over ‘opposing hijab’ sparks protests at Viqarunnisa school

Students of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College's Bashundhara branch staged demonstrations today (27 August) demanding the reinstatement of a teacher suspended over allegations that she removed students from the classroom for wearing hijab.

The protesters, who boycotted classes around 11:30am before bringing out a procession on campus, called for the immediate withdrawal of the suspension order against teacher Fazilatun Nahar, reports UNB.

They also sought a fair probe into the incident and action against those "spreading misinformation."

On Tuesday, the school authorities issued a notice suspending Fazilatun Nahar. The notice was signed by acting principal Mazeda Begum.

Speaking at the demonstration, Rokaiya Binte Mazhar, a Class IX student, said the teacher had not objected to the hijab itself.

"Our teacher didn't ask us not to wear hijab – she told us to wear it properly. The panel students, who were working as volunteers, were told by the teacher to go outside and settle the matter [checking uniform] as they went to that class in the last period. 

"The panel students took the students who did not follow the dress code outside and talked to them for 8-10 minutes," she said.

"She's being targeted in a planned conspiracy based on just 10 minutes of that class period," said Rokaiya.

Another student, Meher Afroz Konok of Class X, echoed the view. "Our teacher only instructed students to follow the dress code. Now she's facing false propaganda," she said.

Former student Anisa Karim, who studied at Viqarunnisa between 2009 and 2019, also backed the teacher. "Neither Nahar apa nor any other teacher has ever opposed hijab. I believe the allegations are baseless. We want a proper investigation and justice against those defaming her through false accusations, including some media outlets," she said.

According to the notice, the teacher was suspended following a decision by the institution's ad hoc committee. The order cited allegations that 22 students from Class VI were removed from a classroom for wearing the hijab.

The notice also mentioned that the suspension is temporary, not a permanent dismissal and the teacher has been asked to provide a written explanation within seven working days.

However, Fazilatun Nahar, denied all allegations, calling them "entirely false and fabricated".

"I didn't do anything of the sort. There aren't even 22 students in that class who wear hijab – only nine or eleven do. I told them to wear it properly when they come to school," she said.

"When I entered the class, I saw volunteers checking uniforms, nails and hair. I asked them why they waited until the last period and told them to take the students outside. I did not send the girls out," she added, noting that she intends to pursue legal action against the suspension.

Contacted for comment, acting principal Mazeda Begum said, "The teacher was suspended based on the complaint. We are conducting an investigation. We believe the facts will come out through this process and a final decision will follow accordingly."