Suspended for Being ‘Progressive,’ Madarsa Teacher Speaks Up

Is a madarsa headmaster paying a price for being ‘progressive’?

Kazi Masum Akhtar, Madarsa Teacher. (Photo: ANI screengrab)

It is a lonely battle for 46-year-old Kazi Masum Akhtar. He claims to be paying a price for being a ‘progressive thinker’.

Akhtar who was violently beaten up nine months ago by irate members of the Muslim community has now broken his silence.

<p> I am restless and frustrated. But the actual teachings of Islam are essential not just for Muslims but for all communities.</p>

Kazi Masum Akhtar, Madarsa Teacher

Akhtar was vocal about several issues: strong action against madarsas which harboured terrorists and early marriage for girls in the community.

His attempts to clean the system were not appreciated and he was viewed as a rebel who was hurting the community’s feelings by making anti-Islam statements. In March 2015, Akhtar was beaten up for encouraging his students at the madarsa to sing the national anthem. An unruly mob attacked him with iron rods.

For the last nine months Akhtar has not attended the madarsa.The state education department is allowing him to mark attendance at the office of the district Inspector of Schools in the Kasba area of Kolkata.