Dhaka, 23 January 2024
A university lecturer publicly tore pages out of a Grade 7 textbook chapter about a transgender character during a seminar on January 19, sparking controversy over gender-inclusive education. Asif Mahtab, a part-time lecturer at BRAC University, ripped out the two-page story titled “Sharifar Golpo” (“Sharifa’s Story”) from the class VII History and Social Science textbook while decrying its content. He objected that the chapter was “introducing students to transgender and homosexual concepts” at school. The incident occurred at a curriculum seminar held at the Institute of Diploma Engineers in Dhaka’s Kakrail area, and a video of Mahtab tearing the pages went viral on social media soon after.
Controversial Textbook Chapter on Third Gender
The textbook chapter in question depicts the experiences of a gender-diverse individual as part of Bangladesh’s new curriculum. Sharifa’s Story follows a character born male who later identifies as female and joins the Hijra community (recognized as a “third gender” in Bangladesh). Education officials included the story to promote empathy towards transgender or third-gender people, but its inclusion “has drawn huge criticism from various social quarters,” igniting public debate. Conservative groups argue the material is inappropriate for young students, whereas human rights advocates view it as a step toward inclusivity.
The Book-Tearing Protest
Mahtab was among the vocal critics of this chapter. While speaking at the January 19 seminar (organized by a conservative teachers’ forum), he dramatically tore the pages containing Sharifa’s Story out of the government-issued textbook in front of the audience. He claimed that such lessons were “brainwashing” students with ideas of gender diversity. Mahtab even urged others to do the same – encouraging his followers to purchase the Grade 7 textbook, rip out the two pages about transgender issues, and then return the book as an act of protest.
The bold demonstration by Asif Mahtab quickly intensified the ongoing debate over transgender content in Bangladesh’s schools. The viral video of his page-tearing protest fueled discussions nationwide about how gender and sexuality topics should be handled in the education system. Though framed in neutral terms, the incident highlights a clash between efforts to foster understanding of marginalized communities and opposition from conservative sections of society. Education authorities have noted that terms like “Hijra” (third gender) were used in the chapter instead of “transgender” to respect local context and avoid misconceptions. The controversy surrounding Sharifa’s Story continues, reflecting broader tensions over transgender rights and representation in the country’s curriculum.
Source:
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The Business Standard – Controversy erupts over ‘Hijra’ story in class VII textbook (23 Jan 2024) tbsnews.net
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Dhaka Tribune – Now activists are targeted over ‘Sharifa’s Story’ (Feb 2024) dhakatribune.com
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University teacher protests by tearing out the textbook story “From Sharif to Sharifa. thedailycampus.com
- Controversy over a university teacher’s remarks on homosexuality and transgender issues: what we know. BBC Bangla
