Professor Dr. Shamima Sultana, the then chair of Jahangirnagar University's Bangla department, removed the portrait of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from her office on August 1, 2024, driven by her ethical senses. She described the action as a personal act of ethical protest, believing the picture no longer deserved to be displayed. Sultana's decision was part of her long-held commitment to oppose injustice, a stance she maintained since her student days. The professor had previously supported various student movements, including the 2018 Quota Reform Movement and the Safe Roads Movement. Sultana joined the July Uprising after witnessing the attack on students at the Vice-Chancellor's residence on July 15, 2024, which she viewed as a turning point. She stood with students during protests and provided them with shelter and communication facilities in her office. The removal of Hasina's portrait gained nationwide attention and triggered strong reactions, including threats and attempts to discredit her. Despite the backlash, Sultana never regretted her decision, viewing it as a symbolic act of protest against injustice. Following the change in university administration, the decision to issue her a show-cause notice was revoked by the new Vice-Chancellor.
FAQs
- **Why did Professor Sultana remove the portrait?** Professor Sultana removed the portrait on August 1, 2024, because she believed it no longer deserved to be displayed in her office. She felt that a government which failed to protect its citizens and used state power against them had lost its moral legitimacy. - **What motivated Professor Sultana to join the July Uprising?** Professor Sultana joined the July Uprising due to her long-held commitment to oppose injustice. Her participation was a continuation of the values she upheld since her student days. - **What were the consequences of her actions?** Sultana faced strong reactions, including abusive phone calls, threatening messages, personal attacks, and attempts to discredit her within the university. Leaflets were distributed against her, and the university Syndicate decided to issue a show-cause notice, although she never officially received it. - **Did Professor Sultana regret her decision?** No, Professor Sultana never regretted her decision. She viewed it as a symbolic act of protest and standing against injustice as her duty as a teacher.
