An image of ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina appeared on a projector screen while the national anthem was being played at a programme of Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) on Thursday.
Following the incident, the university administration issued show-cause notices to two teachers of the Department of Microbiology, seeking explanations over the incident.
The incident took place around 11:00am at the university’s Bir Sreshtho Shahid Mohammad Ruhul Amin Auditorium during the opening session of a two-day programme and workshop organised by the Department of Microbiology to mark International Microorganism Day 2026.
At the beginning of the main discussion session, held after a rally, Sheikh Hasina’s image appeared in the final part of a projected video while the national anthem was being rendered.
After guests noticed the image, NSTU Treasurer Md Hasan Uddin protested immediately. The video was stopped, and the national anthem was played again.
The administration issued show-cause notices to programme convener and Microbiology Department Associate Professor Khandaker Fahmida Sultana and Department Chairman Firoz Ahmed. Acting Registrar Mohammad Tamjid Hossain Chowdhury confirmed the issuance of the notices.
According to the notices, displaying Sheikh Hasina’s image during the national anthem was considered misconduct and a violation of service discipline. The administration described the incident as disrespectful towards the martyrs and injured people of the July mass uprising and asked the two teachers to submit their replies within three working days under relevant regulations.
Khandaker Fahmida Sultana said the incident was unintentional. She said the video was not properly reviewed beforehand due to the rush of organising the two-day workshop.
She said the video was stopped immediately after the issue was noticed and the national anthem was played again using audio. Acknowledging receipt of the show-cause notice, she said the administration had carried out its responsibility.
She added that the treasurer delivered his speech without boycotting the programme and advised the organisers to remain more careful in future.
Firoz Ahmed said Sheikh Hasina’s image appeared for around 10 seconds in a video streamed from YouTube during the national anthem. He said students responsible for managing the event did not notice the issue at the time.
After the matter came to light, the department expressed regret and the student concerned apologised, he said, adding that the administration had sought explanations through the show-cause notice.
Meanwhile, Treasurer Md Hasan Uddin said displaying Sheikh Hasina’s image during the national anthem was unacceptable. He said he went to the stage, briefly addressed the audience and left the venue to avoid any unwanted situation.
He also said event preparations usually require rehearsals and supervision by the programme convener and department head. The administration would seek an explanation on how the incident occurred, he added.
