A teacher at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, accused of “forcing students out” of the class, has been suspended over a dispute involving wearing hijab.

The teacher, Fazilatun Nahar, worked at the Bashundhara branch of the institution.

According to a notice signed on Tuesday by Acting Principal Mazeda Begum, the decision was based on a recommendation from the school’s ad hoc committee.

The notice added that she must submit a written explanation within seven working days, though the suspension was not a permanent dismissal.

Nahar has rejected the accusations as “false and fabricated.”

The controversy began after reports that 22 sixth-grade students were removed from a morning shift classroom for wearing hijabs. The suspension followed public criticism and internal review.

Speaking to bdnews24.com, Nahar said: “I did not do this. In that class, 22 students do not wear hijab -- only nine or eleven do. I told them to wear hijab properly when coming to school.”

She added that she had explained the rules on how the hijab should be worn.

Recalling the incident, she said she found volunteers checking students’ nails, hair and uniforms during her class.

“I told them to take the children outside if they had to check, but I did not send anyone out myself.”

Nahar has worked at the Bashundhara branch for one and a half decades.

Former and current students announced a human chain protest outside the school on Wednesday, demanding a proper investigation into the incident.