A graffiti of Begum Rokeya, a pioneer of women’s empowerment, near Dhaka University’s (DU) Shamsun Nahar Hall, was defaced with black paint covering the face.
Reports suggest the act was committed by a resident student of the hall, who later apologized upon realizing her mistake, according to the hall provost.
The incident surfaced on social media on Tuesday, sparking criticism from DU students and the public.
Dhaka University student Pranto Chowdhury wrote on Facebook: “Without Rokeya, would the women of this country even cross primary school, let alone enter a university? What’s the issue with Rokeya?”
Amid the backlash, the student apologized for her actions, Hall Provost Nasrin Sultana told Prothom Alo on Wednesday.
She explained: “We summoned the student and spoke to her in the presence of a psychologist. Some of her statements seemed inconsistent. After the discussion, she realized her mistake, apologized, and assured us she would not repeat such actions. She also promised to restore the graffiti to its original state,” the provost added.
