Bihar Hijab Controversy: Dr. Nusrat Parveen to resume duty from December 20th

December 19, 2025

Patna: The principal of Bihar’s Government Tibbi College announced on Friday that Dr. Nusrat Parveen will resume duty from December 20th. She had been absent from college for a few days after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar removed her hijab during a recent event in Patna.

Political turmoil after hijab incident

This hijab-related incident had sparked a political storm across the country. Opposition parties accused the Chief Minister of insulting a Muslim female doctor.
Dr. Nusrat, a postgraduate student at Government Tibbi College, had been absent from college for the past four days, leading to speculation that she was mentally traumatized by the incident.

Reactions from College Administration and Classmates

Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Mahfoozur Rahman, Principal of Government Tibbi College, Patna, reported that Dr. Nusrat, in a conversation with her close friend Bilkis, had stated that the matter was being “unnecessarily blown out of proportion.”
He stated that the incident had been “misrepresented,” and that the Chief Minister’s intentions were neither offensive nor malicious. He described it as “parental affection.”

Decision to return to duty

College teachers described Dr. Nusrat as a “brilliant and disciplined student” who has been wearing the hijab regularly for the past seven years.

Her classmate, Bilkis, also confirmed that Dr. Nusrat will assume charge at her new posting on December 20th.

Controversy erupted on December 15th

It is noteworthy that a short video clip of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar removing Dr. Nusrat’s hijab during the appointment letter distribution ceremony on December 15th surfaced, sparking sharp reactions across the country.

The RJD also shared an 11-second video of the incident on its official Twitter account, raising questions about the Chief Minister’s conduct.