In a statement released on Wednesday, HRW asserted that penalizing individuals for peaceful political beliefs or ideologies and bypassing fair legal procedures directly violates international human rights law. Such measures suppress freedom of expression and association, signaling a troubling continuation of authoritarian suppression tactics reminiscent of past administrations.
Meenakshi Ganguly, Deputy Asia Director at HRW, noted that Bangladeshi universities have a rich historical tradition of political discourse and debate. "Dictators traditionally fear debate and free thought. A government born out of a popular student uprising should have no such fears," Ganguly stated.
She added that Bangladesh must move beyond cycles of political vengeance, ensuring that transitions of power do not trigger fresh waves of punitive reprisal.
Systematic Investigations and Dismissals Across Campuses
HRW’s investigations reveal that public universities have initiated widespread punitive measures, including dismissals, temporary suspensions, demotions, teaching bans, and restrictions on academic duties. Accusations frequently cite alleged support for the Hasina administration during the July–August 2024 student-led uprisings, participation in party-affiliated activities, or discriminatory behavior toward students wearing religious attire. Simultaneously, hundreds of students identified as Awami League members or sympathizers have faced expulsion, barring them from higher education.
HRW interviewed over a dozen penalized educators and reviewed official university correspondence, television transcripts, and social media video footage documenting campus expulsions, withheld academic certificates, and entry restrictions. Citing media reports from August 2026, HRW noted that inquiries have been launched against at least 404 teachers across 22 universities for alleged membership in a pro-Awami League Telegram group.
- Dhaka University: Following leadership changes in September 2024, university authorities barred 44 professors from official duties and restricted the teaching schedules of another 25 without conducting transparent departmental inquiries. Following subsequent committee reviews, six professors were formally suspended, and inquiries were launched against 14 others. Among those penalized is Professor Mashiur Rahman of the Sociology Department—who served as a vice-chancellor at another university since 2017—who was barred from academic duties in September 2024 over allegations of opposing the student movement during a television talk show and inciting violence, charges he and HRW’s video review disputed. On August 31, 2026, authorities recommended his permanent termination, a decision he is currently appealing.
- Bangladesh Agricultural University (Mymensingh): Twelve teachers were dismissed, suspended, or removed from their posts, while 34 faced demotions or reduced workloads. Disciplinary actions stemmed largely from participation in an August 4, 2024 pro-Awami League procession. HRW reviewed video footage of the march and found no evidence of direct violence, yet professors such as Dr. Purba Islam and Dr. Yahia Khandaker were suspended over allegations of supporting the former regime—allegations both educators contested.
- Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University: Twelve teachers were suspended and ten barred from academic activities without being granted adequate opportunities to defend themselves during inquiry proceedings, alongside 85 faculty members whose promotions were withheld.
Student Expulsions and Due Process Violations
Students have faced parallel crackdowns. In March 2025, Dhaka University summarily expelled 126 students and withheld their certificates based on fact-finding findings alleging participation in attacks on peaceful protesters. Furthermore, 277 students aligned with the Awami League were named in police FIRs, prompting many to flee campuses in fear of arrest without formal institutional hearings.
HRW emphasized that while individuals credibly linked to grave human rights abuses must face fair judicial trials—noting that three university teachers have already been convicted by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal—blanket punitive actions based solely on past political affiliations undermine the rule of law.
