Academic Freedom Crisis in Bangladesh: Over 2,000 Individuals Persecuted
Severe Violations in Higher Education
Representational Image
Paris, Nov 10: A significant report from a prominent international human rights organization reveals that more than 2,051 individuals, including 1,569 students and 482 educators, have been subjected to "politically motivated" persecution across 229 higher education institutions in Bangladesh. This alarming situation highlights a severe crisis regarding academic freedom in the country.
The report, titled 'Persecution of Teachers and Students in Bangladesh's Higher Education Sector: Academic Exclusion, Coercion and the Struggle for Justice and Accountability', was released by Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF). It details serious human rights abuses impacting educators, academics, and students from August 2024 to October 2026.
According to the findings, these individuals were targeted due to their political ties to the Awami League and its associated groups, as well as their actual or perceived sexual orientation.
The report outlines troubling trends of academic exclusion, politically driven disciplinary actions, physical assaults, intimidation, legal actions, examination restrictions, forced resignations, expulsions from residences, and discrimination based on sexual orientation.
One of the most concerning revelations is the targeting of educators and students based on their political beliefs or affiliations, particularly those linked to the Awami League and its student organization, Chhatra League.
Additionally, the report documents instances where students were barred from campuses, housing, and examinations, while teachers faced professional ostracism, disciplinary actions, criminal charges, and pressure to resign.
Expressing grave concern over the deteriorating situation, JMBF Founder President Shahanur Islam stated, "Universities should be hubs of knowledge, freedom, and critical thought—not arenas for political retribution, intimidation, and discrimination. It is deeply troubling that countless educators and students in Bangladesh have reportedly faced persecution solely due to their political affiliations with the Bangladesh Awami League and its student organizations, or their personal identities."
He emphasized, "No student should be deprived of education due to political identity, and no teacher should lose their job for differing political views. Political affiliation is not a crime, academic freedom is not a privilege, and education must never serve as a tool for collective punishment."
The JMBF has called on Bangladeshi authorities to promptly halt politically motivated academic exclusion, intimidation, violence, and discriminatory disciplinary actions, while ensuring safe and unrestricted access to education, examinations, campuses, and housing for all qualified students.
Highlighting the broader implications of such persecution, the rights organization warned, "Disrupted education, damaged careers, compromised institutional independence, and a climate of fear jeopardize the integrity and future of Bangladesh's higher education system."