“Controversy Surrounding Transgender Story in 7th Grade Textbook: Brac University Teacher Takes a Stand”
In a recent development at Brac University, controversy has arisen regarding a transgender story titled “From Sharif to Sharifa” in the seventh-grade textbook. Asif Mahatab, a teacher at Brac University, has expressed his dissent on the matter, as revealed in a statement issued by the university’s public relations office on Monday (January 22).
According to the statement, Asif Mahatab worked as a temporary teacher at Brac University in the past, but he currently has no contractual agreement with the university. Brac University emphasizes confidentiality of its employees and their contracts. The university encourages collaborative, inclusive, and friendly behavior on campus, while respecting the independence of expression for both teachers and students.
On Friday (January 19), Asif Mahatab tore two pages from the seventh-grade textbook during a seminar titled “New Textbooks in the Current Curriculum: Reality and Future,” organized by the National Teachers’ Forum at the Institute of Diploma Engineers in Kakrail, Dhaka.
The central president of the National Teachers’ Forum, Professor Nasir Uddin Khan, presided over the seminar, where other prominent figures like Amir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, Senior Presidium Member of Islamic Movement Bangladesh; Maulana Syed Muhammad Mosaddak Billah Al Madani, Principal of Charmonai Alia Madrasa; and Maulana Yunus Ahmad, Secretary-General of Islamic Movement Bangladesh, were also present.
Asif Mahatab raised objections to the inclusion of transgender stories in the textbook, alleging that it negatively influences students’ minds. At that time, he requested participants to buy the book from him for 80 Taka, claiming he would return the torn pages to the store. Later, he urged the participants to return the book as the transgender story was present in it.
Following this incident, on Saturday night (January 21), Asif Mahatab posted on his Facebook account, stating, “Today, I conducted regular classes at Brac. Just now, I received a call informing me that I should not attend university or take classes. I do not know why they suddenly took this decision. They have not provided me with any reasons.”
This situation has sparked discussions about freedom of expression and the controversial content in educational materials. Brac University is yet to officially comment on the matter.
