Education
Ministry of Education Forms Expert Committee to Review ‘Sharifa’s Story’ in Textbook
The Ministry of Education has established a high-level expert committee to review the inclusion of ‘Sharifa’s Story’ in a seventh-grade textbook, focusing on the experiences and challenges faced by a third gender or “Hijra” individual. The five-member committee, led by Islamic Arabic University Vice Chancellor Professor Abdur Rashid, aims to provide a more in-depth examination of the subject matter, assisting the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB). Other committee members include Islamic Foundation Governor Mufti Maulana Kofil Uddin Sarkar, NCTB Member Mashiuzzaman, and Dhaka University Institute of Education and Research Director and Dhaka Alia Madrasah Principal Mohammad Abdur Rashid.
The controversy surrounding the story arose when Asif Mahtab, a part-time lecturer at BRAC University, objected to its inclusion in the textbook, claiming that students were being introduced to transgender and homosexual concepts. Mahtab’s public objection gained attention when he tore pages containing the story during a seminar on the new education curriculum. This act was widely shared on social media, leading to his termination by BRAC University.
On Tuesday, BRAC students protested the dismissal of Asif Mahtab. Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury assured that if any inconsistencies or ambiguities are found in the story, it will be amended. The committee’s review is expected to contribute to the ongoing discussions and decisions regarding the inclusion of ‘Sharifa’s Story’ in the curriculum.
Islamic University (IU) students from the 2018–19 academic session are facing significant hurdles, as they’re still awaiting their official marksheets a full year after graduating. This prolonged delay is preventing many from pursuing job opportunities and higher education, drawing sharp criticism from the Bangladesh Students’ Union, IU unit.
In a press release issued on Monday, July 7, the student organization voiced its “deep dissatisfaction and concern,” labeling the delay “completely unacceptable.” The statement, signed by IU unit president Mahmudul Hasan and general secretary Nur Alam, highlighted that while university authorities cite “software-related issues” as the cause, the union believes the persistent problem points to administrative failure and negligence towards student welfare.
“When transcripts and certificates can be printed and distributed online, such a long delay in issuing marksheets is both disappointing and disgraceful,” the student leaders asserted.
The Students’ Union has urged the IU administration to take immediate steps to resolve the issue and ensure students are not subjected to “unnecessary harassment” when collecting their academic documents. They also warned that if effective action isn’t taken promptly, they will organize peaceful demonstrations in coordination with the wider student body.
The Ummul Muminin Ayesha Siddika Hall at Islamic University (IU), Kushtia, has rolled out a free Quran learning program for its female residents. Kicking off on Saturday, July 5, the “Free Correct Quran Education” initiative held its inaugural session in the hall’s prayer room.
The launch saw the presence of Hall Provost Prof. Dr. A.K.M. Rasheduzzaman, alongside house tutors and office staff. A total of 35 female students attended the first session, which commenced with a prayer.
To ensure quality instruction, an experienced female instructor from Kushtia has been appointed. The classes will emphasize correct pronunciation and recitation of the Quran (Tajweed), aiming to deepen students’ religious understanding and values. According to hall authorities, the program is completely free, with only a nominal charge for a few supplementary books.
One participating student praised the initiative, stating, “The provost took a wonderful initiative for us. These programs will greatly enhance our religious knowledge alongside academic learning.”
Prof. Dr. A.K.M. Rasheduzzaman, the Hall Provost, shared his enthusiasm, saying, “We are grateful to the Almighty for allowing us to introduce such a meaningful program—perhaps the first of its kind in any public university dormitory. Our goal is to ensure that our students receive proper Quranic education so that they can enlighten their lives with the teachings of the Holy Quran, alongside their pursuit of worldly knowledge.”
This new program has garnered positive feedback from both students and the wider university community, marking a significant stride towards promoting a balanced spiritual and academic environment for female students at Islamic University.
Dhaka University authorities have suspended eight students for their alleged involvement in the brutal killing of Tofazzal Hossain, who was lynched two days ago at a university dormitory. The announcement was made public today, September 21, through a press release.
Among the suspended students are three former leaders of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL). These include Jalal Ahmed, former deputy secretary of science and technology affairs; Ahsan Ullah, former secretary of mass communication and development affairs; and Al Hossain Sajjad, BCL’s office secretary and a student of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
The other suspended students are Mohammad Sumon from the Department of Soil, Water, and Environment; Muttakin Sakin from the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science; Md Firoz Kabir from the Department of Botany; and Md Abdus Samad and Wazibul Alam from the Department of Physics.
Authorities revealed that six of the eight accused — Jalal Mia, Mohammad Suman, Ahsan Ullah, Muttakin Sakin, Al Hossain Sajjad, and Wazibul Alam — have already been apprehended by law enforcement.
In addition, the university administration announced the removal of the provost of Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall, with a new provost appointed to take over the position.
