Dhaka, August 16 — The Bangladesh Public University Progressive Teachers’ Society has demanded an immediate halt to all investigations and disciplinary proceedings against 404 teachers from 22 public universities, alleging that the actions stem from a “baseless, misleading and politically motivated” media report.
In a statement, the organisation said an online portal recently published a report titled “Secret Activities of 404 Teachers of 22 Universities to Bring Back Sheikh Hasina.” It alleged that the report contained numerous factual inaccuracies, inconsistencies and fabricated information, and said it had already raised objections with supporting evidence.
Investigations Reportedly Underway at 22 Universities
The teachers’ organization expressed concern over the formation of fact-finding committees and the initiation of investigations involving teachers at a number of public universities, including Dhaka University, Islamic University, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Rajshahi University, Chittagong University, Jahangirnagar University, Jagannath University, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology and Khulna University.
According to the organization, disciplinary measures are also being pursued against some teachers primarily because of their political backgrounds, ideological differences or past political positions.
It described the moves as “undemocratic, retaliatory and contrary to the principles of justice.”
‘News Reports Cannot Be Grounds for Punishment’
The organisation argued that teachers should not face harassment, intimidation, administrative action or disciplinary proceedings solely on the basis of an unverified media report.
It said a teacher’s political beliefs, previous political affiliation or personal disagreements with others cannot, by themselves, constitute grounds for disciplinary action without specific allegations and credible evidence.
The group called for due process and evidence-based investigations rather than punitive action based on political identity or unverified allegations.
Academic Freedom Under Threat, Says Teachers’ Group
The teachers’ society warned that politically motivated action against university teachers could have consequences far beyond the individuals facing investigation.
Universities, it said, are essential spaces for free thought, knowledge, research, reason and freedom of expression. Any environment of intimidation could adversely affect students, academic research, the classroom environment and the country’s wider higher education system.
The organisation stressed that protecting academic freedom and institutional autonomy is essential to maintaining a healthy university environment.
‘Our Activities Are Not Secret’
The organisation described itself as a non-political body inspired by the ideals of the Liberation War and the ideology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
It said its activities at public universities have been peaceful, democratic and transparent and rejected the characterization of those activities as “secret.”
The statement argued that participation in lawful political or ideological activities should not automatically be treated as evidence of misconduct or grounds for disciplinary action.
Six Demands Put Forward
The teachers’ society placed six demands, including an immediate end to all politically motivated investigations and disciplinary proceedings against the 404 teachers.
It also demanded the cancellation of fact-finding committees formed on the basis of what it described as false or unsubstantiated allegations, as well as an end to harassment or punitive measures based solely on unverified media reports.
The organisation further called for teachers’ political identities, ideological beliefs and past political positions to be excluded from the grounds for disciplinary action.
It demanded protection of university autonomy, academic freedom, freedom of expression and the dignity and security of teachers.
Appeal for Support
The organisation urged students, parents, civil society representatives, human rights activists, Bangladeshi academics abroad and the international academic community to speak out in support of the rights, dignity and safety of the teachers facing investigation.
“Stop the cycle of repression in educational institutions,” the statement said, while calling for greater transparency, accountability and due process from university administrations.
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