What Happened with Bihar's Dr. Nusrat Parveen and Her Hijab?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Nusrat Parveen will resume her duties on December 20.
- The incident has sparked significant political debate.
- Dr. Rahman defended the Chief Minister's actions as misinterpreted.
- Support from classmates indicates Dr. Nusrat's readiness to return.
- The incident raises important discussions around women's empowerment in India.
Patna, Dec 19 (NationPress) The Principal of Government Tibbi College in Bihar announced on Friday that Dr. Nusrat will return to her duties on December 20. This follows an incident where Chief Minister Nitish Kumar controversially removed her hijab during a ceremony in Patna a few days prior.
This hijab incident has ignited a political uproar nationwide, with opposition parties accusing the Chief Minister of showing disrespect towards a Muslim female doctor.
Professor (Dr.) Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, Principal of Government Tibbi College, Patna, stated that Dr. Nusrat had communicated with her close friend Bilkis and expressed that the issue was being exaggerated.
Dr. Nusrat, a postgraduate student at the college, had not attended classes for the past four days, leading to speculation that she was emotionally affected by the incident.
However, faculty members described her as a bright and disciplined student who has worn a hijab consistently for the last seven years.
Despite her initial silence after the incident, Dr. Nusrat has now resolved to fulfill her professional obligations.
Classmates reported that she is ready to start her new assignment as scheduled.
“The situation was misinterpreted; the Chief Minister’s actions were neither malicious nor disrespectful. Nitish Kumar intended it as a gesture of affection, similar to that of a guardian,” Dr. Rahman remarked.
He also criticized certain political parties and media outlets for attempting to tarnish the reputation of a Chief Minister who has consistently advocated for women’s empowerment.
Bilkis, a close friend and classmate of Dr. Nusrat Parveen, verified that she will indeed join on December 20.
On December 15, Nitish Kumar became embroiled in controversy after he removed Dr. Nusrat's hijab during a ceremony for distributing appointment letters in Patna.
The incident, which gained attention through a brief video clip, faced widespread criticism across the nation.
The RJD also shared an 11-second clip of the event on its official X account, questioning the Chief Minister's actions.