Academics and students allegedly linked to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League continue to face political persecution in public universities under the BNP government, raising concerns over academic freedom, institutional independence and political retaliation, according to a report.
Academics and students accused of maintaining links with former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party are reportedly continuing to face political persecution across the country’s public universities, even after the formation of the elected Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government, according to a report by Asian Lite.
The developments have raised fresh concerns about academic freedom, political interference and the treatment of individuals associated with the previous ruling party. The report suggested that Bangladesh’s political transition has not necessarily ended the culture of institutional control within higher education, with allegations of discrimination and retaliation continuing against academics perceived to be connected with the Awami League.
“What is unfolding across the country’s higher education institutions raises serious questions about academic freedom, political retaliation and the right to dissent in a country still struggling with the consequences of a violent political upheaval,” Asian Lite reported.
One of the prominent cases highlighted in the report involves Dhaka University, where the university’s Syndicate decided on August 31 to suspend three professors and initiate tribunal proceedings against them over allegations concerning their conduct during the July 2024 uprising.
The three academics reportedly denied the allegations and accused university authorities of engaging in political harassment.
The report also highlighted the case of Professor Mashiur Rahman from the Sociology Department of Dhaka University. He was accused of describing the student movement as illegal, baseless and irrational during a television discussion in July 2024.
However, according to Asian Lite, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reviewed a recording of the programme and found that Rahman had not made the remarks attributed to him. The case has consequently raised questions about the basis of disciplinary proceedings against university teachers and the importance of evidence in addressing allegations of misconduct.
Another major example cited in the report concerns Bangladesh Agricultural University. According to the publication, university authorities dismissed, suspended or removed 12 academics after establishing an investigation commission. Additionally, another 34 academics were reportedly demoted or had their professional activities restricted.
The report argued that these developments indicate that political affiliations continue to influence institutional environments despite the change in national leadership. Academics perceived to have links with the former ruling Awami League are allegedly facing exclusion and professional consequences.
The situation has also raised concerns about students affected by university-level disciplinary measures. Asian Lite pointed out that withholding examination certificates and restricting campus access could seriously disrupt students’ academic and professional futures.
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Such restrictions may prevent students from completing their education, applying for employment or pursuing higher academic qualifications, potentially creating long-term consequences beyond the immediate political disputes.
The allegations have placed Bangladesh’s higher education institutions under renewed scrutiny, particularly over questions of institutional independence, equal treatment and the protection of dissenting opinions.
As Bangladesh continues to navigate its political transition under the BNP government, concerns surrounding alleged political retaliation in universities are likely to remain an important issue in discussions about democracy, educational rights and academic freedom.
