RU Professor Deletes Post Under Public Pressure

Khondkar Mohammad Mahmudul Hasan, an associate professor in the Department of Physics at Rajshahi University, has claimed that he deleted a social media post in which he referred to Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain as an ‘apostate’ and ‘infidel’ due to mounting pressure. He stated that after posting his comments, he and his family have faced a series of problems, which have become extremely burdensome for them both socially and personally.

On Wednesday, 10 December, the professor shared a new post on his Facebook page, explaining his decision. He wrote, ‘Since posting my previous comments, I have faced many difficulties that have become very heavy for both my family and me. My statement was based on the principle of breaking faith. My words have been interpreted as a fatwa, and the right to issue fatwas belongs to scholars, not to me. Therefore, I have deleted my post.’

Earlier, on Tuesday morning, 9 December, he shared a post on his personal Facebook timeline. In the caption, he made the controversial remark regarding Begum Rokeya. The post quickly sparked widespread criticism and reactions on social media, turning it into a significant topic of public discussion.

In a follow-up post, Professor Hasan stated, ‘Begum Rokeya has denied the book revealed by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, rejected the message of Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, labelled him a fraud, and ridiculed divine commands. After all this, no human could remain faithful.’

He further explained, ‘My statement may have sounded like a fatwa. The authority to issue fatwas belongs to scholars, not to me. It can be said that I engaged in unauthorised practice. Anyone with a reasonable understanding of the causes of broken faith would never call such a person a believer.’

Attempts to contact Professor Hasan at the time of reporting were unsuccessful despite multiple calls. The incident has generated extensive reactions across social media and is receiving significant coverage in local media. People from various sectors of society are actively discussing the issue, which continues to be a focal point of public debate.