To the Honorable Prime Minister Tarique Rahman,
Recently, incidents involving the boycotting, harassment, and bullying of students, violations of personal privacy, and expulsions from residential halls or institutions have come to light at Dhaka University (July 30, August 1 and 11), Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET, July 25), Haji Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU, May 17), and various medical colleges.
The recurrence of incidents involving allegations of LGBTQIA+ identity or ‘homosexuality,’ coupled with the measures taken against students, raises serious questions regarding safety, accountability, and institutional responsibility within the country’s higher education system: who exactly is the education system intended for? If the very education system that shapes the nation’s future fails to safeguard its students’ safety and their right to education, then what kind of future are we creating? Is it not the state’s responsibility to ensure the safety, peace, and normal academic life of these students?
These events raise a fundamental question: is not a student’s primary right to receive an education and complete their academic journey safely and without hindrance?The primary responsibility of every educational institution is to ensure the safety of its students, enabling them to complete their education without fear, harassment, or the threat of abuse; this is both a fundamental right of every student and a fundamental obligation of the institution.
Within an educational institution, a student’s primary identity is that of a student. Sexual orientation and gender identity are deeply personal matters; they are neither grounds for defamation nor tools for political conflict. Belittling a student on these grounds—and remaining silent instead of taking institutional action against such harassment—amounts to condoning violence and the curtailment of rights, thereby proving the institution’s own failure.The state, too, bears responsibility for this failure. The lack of timely and appropriate action serves to widen broader social inequality and insecurity—conditions that we reject.
As citizens, we believe that these recurring incidents cannot be viewed merely as isolated disciplinary actions taken against a few students; they jeopardize a citizen’s safety, privacy, dignity, and right to education. If an educational institution fails to protect a student in the face of pressure from a mob or so-called “ordinary students”—and ultimately removes or expels that student from the dormitory or the institution—we question the institution’s capacity to fulfill its fundamental responsibility regarding student safety and demand accountability.
We wish to emphasize that when a student falls victim to assault, harassment, humiliation, a breach of privacy, or forced eviction, the state or administration cannot evade responsibility for the resulting harm and uncertainty regarding the student’s education, safety, and normal life. Students who have fallen victim to this oppression and harassment must be brought back to their educational lives with their safety ensured; furthermore, remedies for the academic setbacks suffered, as well as appropriate compensation for the mental and physical harm endured, must be guaranteed.
At the same time, appropriate investigations must be conducted and legal action taken against those involved in harassment, intimidation, looting, violations of personal privacy, or similar barbaric attacks. No one’s identity can justify attacks, humiliation, or violence against them.
An institution that allows targeted harassment and attacks by a “spontaneous” mob to become normalized—without taking effective action against them—cannot be considered a safe educational institution; rather, it becomes evident that such an institution fosters a culture of violence.
We observe with deep concern the persistent social stigmatization of homosexual, LGBTQIA+, and Hijra identities; a student’s sexual orientation and gender identity are often exploited for political gain when convenient, ultimately leaving individuals with these identities to serve as scapegoats.
In particular, when a student falls victim to mob violence, instead of receiving protection, they are often expelled from the dormitory—ostensibly on grounds of discipline and morality—thereby jeopardizing their academic future. Yet, acts such as the looting of these students’ belongings, trespassing into their private spaces, or secretly recording and circulating videos without their consent are not similarly condemned as ‘unethical’ or punishable conduct.If the question of ethics is raised, it must apply equally to everyone. If an institution remains silent while a student’s personal life, property, privacy, and safety are violated—due to the application of such double standards—that silence is not merely an administrative failure; it is another form of abetting discrimination and violence.
Whether harassment occurs online, in residential halls, or on campus, educational institutions cannot evade their responsibility. Online harassment cannot be dismissed as an issue external to the campus; incidents within halls cannot be brushed aside as mere personal disputes; nor can an institution discharge its duty simply by removing a student due to mob pressure.
It is the responsibility of educational institutions to keep students safe, and the responsibility of the state to ensure the safety of its citizens. No student should have to pay the price for a failure to fulfill that responsibility with their education, safety, or dignity.
A student’s right to education is not merely the formal right to enter a classroom. It also encompasses the practical opportunity to reside safely in a hostel, regularly attend classes and examinations, and complete their education free from fear or harassment.
Similarly, secretly recording videos of students’ private moments, storing or disseminating such videos without permission, and subsequently using them as the basis for complaints or administrative action is also a matter of serious concern. The investigation concerns not only the content of the video but also who recorded it, whose permission was lacking, and what measures have been taken regarding this breach of privacy. Violating a citizen’s privacy is a punishable offense; therefore, responding to such incidents is the responsibility of the state, not just the institution involved.
One of the key election campaign pledges of the BNP government was an initiative to build a future workforce by making education enjoyable and skill-based. However, before education can be made enjoyable or skill-based, the education system must be safe. How can education be enjoyable or future-oriented for a student who does not know whether they will have a place to stay or be able to attend classes the next day—or even remain safe—let alone whether they might be expelled from the institution due to some complaint? When a student’s life and safety are at risk, the promise of making education ‘enjoyable and skill-based’ becomes an unrealistic one.
We strongly condemn and protest this series of events and call upon the concerned educational institutions and the government to take immediate, effective measures. We must bring our students safely back to the classroom. Their safety in halls, on campus, and throughout their academic lives must be ensured. A situation where a student must sacrifice their education, safety, or dignity to secure justice is absolutely unacceptable.
Demands:
1. All expulsion orders issued against students of Dhaka University and other institutions based on baseless allegations and without an impartial investigation must be immediately revoked, and their safety upon returning to residential halls and classrooms must be ensured.
2. Institutional and legal actions must be taken against individuals—including “mobs” and instigators—involved in violating the privacy of students or individuals, searching mobile phones, blackmailing, or recording and circulating personal videos.
3. Administrative action regarding any complaint must be prohibited unless the opportunity for self-defense, an impartial investigation, and due process of law are ensured.
4. The university administration must take a public stand against incidents involving the intimidation of students, organized harassment, and the abuse of power. Silence is not an option, and the university must take effective institutional action against those responsible.
5. The safety, personal privacy, physical and mental well-being, and a non-discriminatory environment for all students must be ensured within higher education campuses, ensuring that they can participate in educational activities without fear of intimidation, harassment, or persecution.
6. Necessary support, redress, and compensation must be ensured to address the physical and mental harm inflicted upon students.
7. There is no place for organized harassment, intimidation, physical assault, or violence in higher education institutions; any complaint against a student must be resolved through established institutional and fair procedures.
135 citizens active in various social, professional, and civic spheres across the country have strongly condemned and protested against these incidents targeting students, as well as their impact on the students’ safety and right to education. The signatories include university teachers, human rights activists, artists, students, rights advocates, and professionals from various fields.
Signed by
Diverse Feminists and Friends.
Signatories
- Trishia Nashtaran, Feminist Organizer
- Anu Muhammad, Economist and Professor, Jahangirnagar University
- Tashnuva Anan, Trans Rights Activist, Actor, Writer, and Development Practitioner
- Rathindra Nath Bappi, Journalist and Former Student Leader
- Faisal Zaman, Visual Artist, Art Researcher, and Educator
- Tasaffy Hossain, Feminist Activist
- Ratul Al Ahmed, Researcher
- Kazi Tahsin Agaz Apurba, Artist, Curator, and Gallerist
- Fattah Siam, Student, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB)
- Sharmin Akter
- Kabita Chakma, Architect and Writer
- Kazi Moazzema Tasnim, Human Rights Activist
- Mim Arafat Manab, Researcher, Technical University of Madrid, Spain
- Dr. Rakiba Amatul Karim, Doctor and Lecturer
- Ifaar Hasan, Human Rights Defender
- Sajib Tanvir, Independent Filmmaker and Central Council Member, Network for People’s Action (NPA)
- Dr. Afroza Akter Juhi, Dental Surgeon and Consultant, Upasham Hospital
- Ace, Freelance Artist
- Muntakim, Journalist
- Mahbub Sunny, Freelance Photographer
- Padmini Chakma, Photographer
- Kabya Krittika, Lecturer, Netrokona University
- Dr. Sabrina Ahmed
- Kashfia Nahreen, Writer, The Daily Star
- Dr. Tanmoy Sanyal, Dental Surgeon
- Oliur Sun, Writer, Teacher, and Organizer
- Tibra Ali, Professor, BRAC University
- Samina Luthfa, Faculty, University of Dhaka
- Dr. Nazmus Sakib, Member, Committee for Democratic Rights
- Mithila Mahfuz, Teacher
- Tahmina Khanam, Associate Professor, University of Dhaka
- Laboni Ashrafi, Filmmaker and Faculty, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh
- Tasneem Siraj Mahboob
- Maria Bhuiya, Assistant Professor, Department of Humanities and Business, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology
- Maidul Islam, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Chittagong
- Asif Mohammad Shahan, Faculty, University of Dhaka
- Priyanka Kundu, Doctoral Candidate, University of Illinois Chicago
- Syed Ishtiaque Ahmed, Director, Space Vision Ltd.
- Uchacha A Chak, Lokayoto
- Fahmidul Haq, Teacher and Writer
- Anika T Karim, Feminist Climate Activist
- Suraiya Yasmin, Doctor and Organizer, Red Feminist Block
- Anupam Saikat Shanto, Writer and Activist
- Kamal Chowdhury, Professor, University of Dhaka
- Marzia Rahman, Assistant Professor, University of Dhaka
- Mahtab Uddin, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, University of Dhaka
- Snigdha Sultana, Photographer
- Amina Sultana
- Joya Sikder, Transgender Woman and Human Rights Activist
- Hana Shams Ahmed, Anthropologist, York University, Canada
- Mayisha Moni, Master’s Student, Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University
- Layeka Bashir, Teacher and Cultural Activist
- Rushad Faridi, Faculty, University of Dhaka
- Sharmi Barua, Lecturer, Institute of Modern Languages, University of Dhaka
- Prapti Tapashi, Faculty, Netrokona University
- Moshahida Sultana
- Mahbubul Haque Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor, Comilla University
- Soyeb Hasan, Human Rights Defender
- Rahat Hossain, Human Rights Activist
- Abu Raihan, Researcher and Activist
- Dr. Nabiha Faruque Saima, Intern Doctor, Dinajpur Medical College Hospital
- Golam Mostafa, Office Secretary, Ganosamhati Andolan (GSA), Central Executive Committee
- Sumsul Islam Polok Eva, Social Inclusion Practitioner and Hijra and Transgender Rights Activist
- Nazmus Sadat, Research & Development Officer, Healthcare Formulations Ltd.
- Rayta Binte Rahman, Undergraduate Student, North South University
- A Concerned Citizen & Student
- Golam Rasul Nabid, Playwright, Writer, Actor, NPA Member, and Student, Jahangirnagar University
- Amartya Roy, Former Student Movement Activist
- Safayet Muttaki Durjoy, Writer
- Sohan Kabir, Student
- Anika Bushra
- Nuzhat Fairuz Nobonie, Postgraduate Student, Loughborough University
- Arup Rahee, Artist
- Antara, Student, North South University
- Monisha Mim Nipun, Founder, Pothchola Foundation, and Trans Woman
- Shishir Bindu Biswas, Writer and Human Rights Activist
- Arafat Kazi, Musician
- Dr. Zareen Subah, MBBS
- Ayalid Hasan, Research Assistant, University of Manitoba, Canada
- Tamzid Mushtaque, Private-Sector Employee
- Ashkin Ayub, Creative Strategist, McCann Bangladesh
- Ferdous Ara Rumi, Spokesperson, NPA
- Nisarga Niloy, Researcher
- Shamim Ara Nipa, Activist
- M Shahriar Mahmud Rafi, Researcher, Innovation Lab
- Ratan Marma, Student, University of Development Alternative
- Moshfeq Ara Shimul, Executive Director, SPACE – A Foundation for Peace and Care
- Durlov Nibras Ahmed, Freelance Development & Marketing Communications Consultant
- Md. Habibur Rahman, Lecturer
- Bithi Ghosh, Artist and Cultural Activist
- Hasibur Rahman, Researcher and Rights Activist
- Mirza Taslima Sultana, Professor, Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University
- Kajali Sehrin Islam, Faculty, University of Dhaka
- Andromeda, Student, University of Dhaka
- Protiti, Architect
- Nasrin Siraj, Teacher
- Mira Susmita, Student, Padma Government College
- Ruhi Naz, Lawyer and Human Rights Activist
- Md. Rafiqul Islam, General Secretary, Sompurna
- Redowan Ahmed, Student, East West University
- Ayesha, Program Coordinator, Institute for Teacher Competency and Excellence; Social Researcher
- Reemon, Photographer
- Maruf Hasan Bhuiyan, General Secretary, Socialist Students’ Front
- Jessamine Dina Roy, Headmaster, YWCA Girls’ School
- Isaba Shuhrat, Researcher, Drik
- Nirnoy Islam, Teacher and Organizer
- Orchi Lohani
- Ashiqur Rahman Anik, Independent Screenwriter and Filmmaker
- Dipti Dutta, Faculty, University of Dhaka
- Ranjana, Student, BRAC University
- Sheepa Hafiza, Gender Justice, Inclusion, and Human Rights Defender
- Khushi Kabir, Human Rights Activist
- Hasne Ara, Development Practitioner, Researcher, and Theatre Activist
- Arunima Tahsin, Researcher and Activist
- Nazifa Tasnim Khanam Tisha, Publishing and Theatre Worker
- Pepe, Student
- Triaana Nayantara Hafiz, Development Worker, Activist, Model, and Executive Director, Byanjona Foundation
- Khalid Hasan Khan, Service Holder
- Johan Araz Khan, Student, Jahangirnagar University
- Nazir Amin Chowdhury Joy, Former Acting President, Bangladesh Students’ Union
- Shireen Parvin Haque, Human Rights Activist and Member, Naripokkho
- Nazneen Shifa, Faculty, Independent University, Bangladesh
- Manas Chowdhury, Professor, Jahangirnagar University
- Samiya Arefin
- Fahim Bin Hamid, Urban Researcher
- Md. Muntasir Rahman, Founder, Byanjona Foundation; LGBTQ Activist and Civil Engineer
- Saidiya Gulrukh, Journalist and Researcher
- Sushmita S Preetha, Writer, Researcher, and Organizer
- Apon Das, Author and Researcher
- Samiha Haider Konka, Student, University of Dhaka
- Monowar Husain, CSE, SDS, BRAC University
- Quashimah Siddiqui Raiyan, Student, BRAC University
- Antara Farnaz Khan, Student
- Nadira Nowsher, Researcher
- Sadia Anjum Prity, Photographer