A group of students in Bangladesh who say they have faced political harassment and exclusion from educational institutions since the country’s 2024 political upheaval has submitted a complaint to a relevant United Nations expert, alleging violations of their rights to education and academic participation.
The students claim that political identity or past political affiliations have been used as grounds for action against students at universities and colleges. Some were allegedly forced to leave residential halls, while others were prevented from entering campuses or participating in examinations because of pending legal cases.
According to the complaint, incidents since 2024 have included students being expelled from campuses and halls, subjected to mob harassment and prevented from continuing their academic activities. The applicants said the consequences have extended beyond the students themselves, affecting their families as well.
The complaint also alleges that some teachers have faced political retaliation, harassment and professional pressure. The applicants argue that such developments have adversely affected freedom of expression and the academic environment in educational institutions.
Reports by human rights organisations and media outlets have also documented large numbers of legal cases filed against people in Bangladesh amid political violence surrounding and following the 2024 upheaval.
UN rapporteur to visit Bangladesh
The complaint comes ahead of a planned visit to Bangladesh by Farida Shaheed, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education, from November 23 to December 4, 2026.
According to UN information cited in the report, Shaheed is expected to meet government representatives, civil society groups, educational institutions, teachers, education workers, students and parents during the visit.
Ahead of the mission, she has invited students, recent graduates, parents, teachers, education workers, researchers and other stakeholders to submit information and share their experiences concerning the right to education in Bangladesh. The information submitted will be used to prepare for her visit and will be treated confidentially, according to the UN.
Students put forward three demands
The affected students have made three principal demands to the UN.
First, they have called for a review of cases they describe as politically motivated and for the withdrawal of cases against students who they say are innocent, along with guarantees for their safe return to their campuses.
Second, they have urged authorities to stop mob justice, alleged occupation of residential halls and attacks on students and teachers, and to ensure a safe and non-discriminatory educational environment.
Third, they have asked Shaheed to visit universities and colleges during her Bangladesh mission and speak directly with affected students and teachers.
The applicants hope that the UN rapporteur’s visit will provide an opportunity for international scrutiny of alleged discrimination based on political identity, campus security and students’ right to continue their education.
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