India: Dhaka University dean resigns following student protest over Quran recitation ban

Professor Dr. Abdul Bashir has resigned from his position as Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Dhaka University, submitting his resignation letter to the Vice-Chancellor on Monday, Muslim Mirror reported.

His resignation follows a student protest demanding his removal, which took place earlier that day at 11:30 am. AB Jubayer, co-coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, accused Dr. Bashir of targeting students involved in a Quran recitation program during Ramadan and claimed he issued a show-cause notice to the Chairman of the Arabic Department regarding the matter.

Jubayer criticized Dr. Bashir as a proponent of autocracy and unfit for his role. Amid the protest, students escorted Dr. Bashir to the Dean’s office, where he prepared his resignation letter. Following his resignation, a Quran recitation and prayer session was held, emphasizing peace and discipline at the university and addressing concerns over Islamophobia. Dr. Bashir participated in the prayer session, marking a poignant end to his tenure.