DU students protest against labeling Samina Luthfa as 'anti-Islam' 

Students of Dhaka University's Sociology Department on Monday held a rally in protest against labeling Associate Prof Samina Luthfa of the department as 'anti-Islam'.

The protesters argued that such 'baseless blames' against Samina Luthfa would hinder efforts to create a discrimination free Bangladesh.

They, at that time, highlighted her contributions during the student-led movement that eventually led to fall of Sheikh Hasina government on August 5.

The protest followed dissolve of a textbook revision committee by the Education Ministry, after objections from certain religious organisations regarding two of its members - Dr Md Kamrul Hassan of Physics Department and Dr Samina Luthfa at Dhaka University.

Speaking at the rally, Tasrifa Afroz said, "We overthrew a fascist government, but the elements of fascism are still strong. It's been more than a month and a half...we have been witnessing various mob rampages. By targeting Samina Luthfa and Kamrul Hasan, hatred is being spread against them. Everyone knows who has spoken against dictatorship in the last 15 years. Why should they be victimised today who voiced without thinking about their own interests and stood by the students,"Abdul Ahad said that Samina Luthfa was unfairly labeled 'anti-Islamist'.

"She never made any anti-Islam comments in the class. Do not impose your ideals on anyone. She worked impartially," Ahad said, adding, "Wherever there is politics of tagging, we will protest."