A wave of concern has risen after Sahara Chowdhury, a transgender student, was expelled from Sylhet Metropolitan University. The decision came in the wake of a police complaint accusing her of posting caricatures of two teachers on social media, with allegations framed as “death threats.” Sahara, however, has also filed her own case, stating that she faced threats and intimidation from the same teachers who accused her.
In a joint statement, 162 citizens, including teachers, lawyers, journalists, and activists, condemned the university’s action as discriminatory. They argued that this incident reflects the long-standing hostility directed at trans and gender-diverse people in Bangladesh, particularly within academic institutions. The statement notes that educators have misused their positions to incite hatred and deepen divisions in society, further marginalizing already vulnerable students.
The signatories demanded that the university immediately revoke Sahara’s expulsion and ensure her right to continue her studies. They also called on all educational institutions to adopt gender-sensitive codes of conduct that respect identity, protect diversity, and prevent harassment of gender minority students.
This case is not only about one student’s future, but also about whether universities in Bangladesh can provide safe and inclusive environments for all. The citizens’ call to action reminds us that defending constitutional rights for marginalized groups requires challenging everyday institutional practices of exclusion
Bangladesh Feminist Archives 