A professor of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at the University of Rajshahi has issued an apology over his Facebook comments on the attire of the newly elected hall union female leaders. Professor A-Al Mamun said he did not intend to hurt anyone and expressed regret for the post, which he deleted shortly after sharing.
He wrote, “I posted it in a moment and personalised it—to reflect and think more about it. But in that very moment, someone took a screenshot and spread it. If you notice, that post had no likes, comments, shares, or any interactions at all! Still, if anyone was hurt, I am sorry.”
He added, “I always wish the best for the students. I hope the recent misleading tension will now subside. I do not want my department’s teachers and students to face any difficulties due to the tension sparked around me, or to get involved in any conflicts with students from other departments.”
The professor also reflected on his past hopes, writing, “During the downfall of the authoritarian Sheikh Hasina, I dreamed of a completely new Bangladesh. But many events have occurred since, and Bangladesh did not move in that direction as I had hoped. Feeling deeply disappointed, I wrote something in a moment of frustration that I should not have written. I never intended to do so. Realising it could be misread, I immediately deleted the post. Regarding clothing, my stance is clear—I do not judge anyone as superior or inferior based on what they wear.”
He made this post on Facebook on Tuesday at 10:17 am.
Earlier, on Monday, he had shared two photos of the newly sworn-in hall council leaders, writing, “I endorse this personal freedom. Tomorrow, I will go to class exercising the same personal freedom. I will wear a two-quarter dress, and I will have a bottle of alcohol in my hand. Alcohol is not a drug! I even have a license to drink! Shibir can come, journalists can come too!”