DHAKA: A court has jailed two teachers in southern Bangladesh for making derogatory comments about Islam and Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

Magistrate Anwar Parvez told The Associated Press the case began when students at Hijla High School in Bagerhat district complained that the assistant teacher of a science class on Sunday dismissed the Holy Quran as the word of Allah and said there was no heaven.

Parvez said Tuesday that a mob including students, parents and villagers attacked the teachers who belonged to a small Hindu community with sticks, forcing them to lock themselves in a room until police intervened.

The magistrate said the assistant teacher pleaded guilty to publicly insulting a religion, and both he and the school's head teacher were then sentenced to six months behind bars.

Opinion

From hard to harder

From hard to harder

Instead of ‘hard state’ turning even harder, citizens deserve a state that goes soft on them in delivering democratic and development aspirations.

Editorial

Canal unrest
Updated 03 Apr, 2025

Canal unrest

With rising water scarcity in Indus system, it is crucial to move towards a consensus-driven policymaking process.
Iran-US tension
03 Apr, 2025

Iran-US tension

THE Trump administration’s threats aimed at Iran do not bode well for global peace, and unless Washington changes...
Flights to history
03 Apr, 2025

Flights to history

MOHENJODARO could have been the forgotten gold we desperately need. Instead, this 5,000-year-old well of antiquity ...
Eid amidst crises
Updated 31 Mar, 2025

Eid amidst crises

Until the Muslim world takes practical steps to end these atrocities, these besieged populations will see no joy.
Women’s rights
Updated 01 Apr, 2025

Women’s rights

Such judgements, and others directly impacting women’s rights should be given more airtime in media.
Not helping
Updated 02 Apr, 2025

Not helping

If it's committed to peace in Balochistan, the state must draw a line between militancy and legitimate protest.