Political divisions are threatening to tear apart Bangladesh’s top universities, with academics claiming that “scaremongering” has become the “new normal”.
Dhaka University leaders were recently urged to take action against a list of 231 faculty teachers accused of supporting the previous government led by the exiled Sheikh Hasina.
In response, the university suspended three teachers and withdrew four others from academic responsibilities. A four-member inquiry committee has been formed to discuss next steps.
These actions were strongly opposed by the Dhaka University Teachers' Association (DUTA), which issued a statement to say that the university was not acting in accordance with its own rules that say no employee can be punished unless the allegations against them are established through due process and a formal investigation.
Tensions have escalated across other universities over the past month with Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Chittagong University, Jagannath University and Islamic University also launching committees to investigate teachers alleged to have been supportive of the Awami League government, which was toppled by protesters during an uprising in July 2024.
