Female teacher made OSD ‘for advocating equal rights’

Nadira Yasmin, assistant professor of Bangla at Narsingdi Government College, was made Officer on Special Duty (OSD) yesterday.

The decision came just a day after Hefazat-e-Islam and other religious groups protested over a magazine she edits and publishes, and demanded her removal from the college within 48 hours.

She has been attached to Satkhira Government College, according to a circular from the education ministry issued yesterday. The circular shows Yasmin was among five teachers transferred in the latest order -- three of whom, including her, were made OSD.

Unlike regular transfers, where teachers are assigned new roles, OSD postings usually remove individuals from active duties while keeping them on the payroll.

Though not officially a punishment, the move is widely seen as a disciplinary measure.

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Yasmin, a prominent women's rights activist, also edits Nari Angan, an online platform.

The controversy stems from articles published in Hisya (rights), a magazine which she edits and publishes. The articles reportedly support equal inheritance rights for men and women, a stance some religious groups claim contradicts Islamic inheritance laws.

After its release, students and religious organisations, including Hefazat-e-Islam, demonstrated on campus demanding her dismissal.

The Democratic Rights Committee, in a statement signed by Professor Anu Muhammad, condemned the action against Yasmin.

"It is unfortunate that a female teacher is being removed from her post simply for expressing an opinion. This goes against freedom of expression," it said.

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The committee demanded an impartial, subject-based investigation into the issue.

Yasmin posted the order on Facebook, writing, "My freedom of expression has been violated. As a woman, I protest this incident. However, no force can suppress my voice when it comes to speaking up for human rights."

Bangladesh Feminist Archives, a platform for preserving, documenting and promoting intersectional feminist movements in Bangladesh, condemned the government's move, which it said goes against the values of democracy, July uprising, and the principles of free speech.

"Nadira Yasmin committed no crime. She simply voiced an opinion in a public debate. Even if her position were controversial, she had every right to express it. The state's duty was to protect her, not surrender to mob pressure," it said, urging the interim government to reverse the decision.

Meanwhile, Mufti Tarequl Rahman, private secretary to Hefazat's Narsingdi wing leader, said, "A solution has been reached. We are happy." He did not elaborate.