Bangladesh education ministry censors story over trans character

University professor claimed trans character brainwashed Bangladesh children

Bangladesh education minister removes story from curriculum over "trans" character — **Illustration for the commentary “Why backlash over Sharifa’s tale makes the case for more inclusive textbooks” in The Business Standard (Illustration courtesy of *The Business Standard*)**

Justicemakers Bangladesh in France, an organization that advocates for LGBT rights in the South Asian country, has issued the following press release in response to the news that the education ministry has removed the short story “Sharifa’s Tale” from the seventh-grade history and social science textbook. Controversy had arisen when a university professor asserted on social media that the character “Sharifa” is a transgender person, and not a third gender person. Being transgender is considered a heresy in some interpretations of Islam, while third-gender people have a long history in south Asian cultures.

76crimes has also previously published “Sharifa’s Tale” here.

France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed deep concern and disappointment over the recent decision by the Education Ministry of Bangladesh to remove “Sharifa’s Tale” from the history and social science textbook for seventh-grade students.

JMBF urges the Bangladesh government, particularly the Education Ministry and the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB), to reconsider this decision and call for a revision of the narrative to address any identified inconsistencies while preserving the essence of the story.

According to a report in the Dhaka Tribune on June 26, 2024, the decision to remove “Sharifa’s Tale” was made following recommendations from an analysis committee. This committee was formed after a five-member probe committee was established by the Ministry of Education on January 24. The probe, led by Islamic Arabic University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Abdur Rashid, responded to objections from various quarters, including part-time lecturer Asif Mahtab from Brac University in Dhaka. On January 19, Mahtab tore out the pages of the textbook at a seminar on the new education curriculum, claiming that students were being brainwashed by these stories. His actions were widely circulated on social media.

JMBF has previously issued statements on January 24 and May 20, 2024, urging the Bangladesh government to address this issue in light of gender diversity and inclusion. They expressed grave concerns over the misinformation campaign against the positive inclusion of third-gender portrayal in textbooks. JMBF reiterated their deep concern over the recommendation to remove “Sharifa’s Tale.”

Cover illustration from Bangladesh's Grade 7 history and social science workbook. — Cover illustration from Bangladesh’s Grade 7 history and social science workbook.

Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF, stated that “Sharifa’s Tale serves as an important narrative that sheds light on the experiences and challenges faced by individuals who identify as third gender, commonly referred to as Hijra in our society. By removing ‘Sharifa’s Tale,’ we are not protecting our children; rather, we are denying them the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the rich tapestry of human identity.”

He also emphasized that including such stories in the seventh-grade curriculum is a crucial step towards dismantling deeply entrenched prejudices and fostering empathy and understanding.

JMBF argues that the objection to introducing transgender concepts to students is fundamentally flawed. Education should prepare students to engage with the world in a compassionate, informed, and respectful manner.

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JMBF, alongside other advocates for inclusivity and representation in education, believes that all students, regardless of their background or identity, should feel seen and valued. Removing “Sharifa’s Tale” reflects intolerance and disrespect for the diversity that the Bangladeshi education system should embrace.

JMBF calls on the authorities to develop a curriculum that reflects the diverse realities of society and equips students with the knowledge and empathy to navigate and contribute positively to the world.

JMBF urges the Education Ministry to stand firm in their commitment to an inclusive and comprehensive education system that respects and celebrates diversity.

For further information and to read the full staement, please visit: https://shahanur.blogspot.com/2024/07/statement-jmbf-urges-reconsideration-of.html