Dhaka, Dec. 12 -- Amid widespread criticism and public backlash, Rajshahi University teacher Khandaker Mahmudul Hasan has removed his Facebook post targeting Begum Rokeya, a pioneer of women's rights, an "infidel".

Mahmudul said the post caused undue stress for himself and his family.

Mahmudul, who teaches physics at Rajshahi University, took down the post from social media on Wednesday, explaining the reason behind his decision in another post.

"Ever since I made the post, I have been facing many problems, which have become very burdensome for me and my family. I made the statement based on the principles of breach of faith," he wrote in the latest post.

"My statement sounded like a fatwa [Islamic religious ruling or legal opinion]. ...