The actions of the university authorities, including barring him from all departmental activities, represent a blatant violation of fundamental human rights and academic freedom. Such actions perpetuate discrimination, intolerance, and fear, contradicting the principles of human dignity and equality.
JMBF calls for the immediate withdrawal of this decision to refrain Hafizul Islam and a thorough review of this incident by the university administration, urging them to uphold the values of inclusion, non-discrimination, and human rights.
Robert Simon, a prominent French LGBTQI+ rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, strongly criticized the decision, stating, "Refraining a faculty member from all forms of academic activities based solely on perceived sexual orientation is an act of deep discrimination and injustice. It violates the very essence of human rights, as well as the fundamental freedoms of thought, conscience, and expression. Academic institutions should be havens for diversity and intellectual freedom, not places of exclusion and prejudice. We cannot allow such discriminatory actions to stand unchallenged."
The decision to refrain Professor Hafizul Islam from his duties is particularly concerning, as it appears to be influenced by pressure from certain pro-Islamic student groups, allegedly backed by the radical Islamic political party that has gained influence since the establishment of the interim government led by Nobel laureate Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
This case sets a dangerous precedent and contradicts the fundamental principles of human rights as recognized by international law, reflecting a disturbing trend of intolerance that has no place in any academic institution or democratic society.
Advocate Shahanur Islam, a Bangladeshi human rights lawyer and the Founder-President of JMBF, emphasized, "This incident is not only an attack on one individual but an assault on the values of freedom and justice that Bangladesh aspires to uphold. A university should be a space for learning and inclusivity, not a place where individuals are persecuted for their identity or perceived differences. We demand the immediate reinstatement of Professor Hafizul Islam and a fair, impartial investigation free from any bias or external pressure."
JMBF believes that the decision to refrain Hafizul Islam from all academic activities is not only legally questionable but also morally wrong. It violates the principles of justice and equality enshrined in both international human rights law and Bangladesh’s constitution.
JMBF calls on the international community, including the United Nations, the European Union, and local foreign embassies in Bangladesh, to take a stand against such blatant discrimination and human rights violations.
We urge these institutions to advocate for the protection of academic freedom and the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh. We also call on them to engage with the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure a thorough, unbiased review of this incident, emphasizing respect for human dignity and adherence to international human rights standards.
JMBF also calls upon the Bangladeshi government and relevant authorities to take a strong stand against any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation and to ensure that educational institutions remain safe and inclusive for all students and staff.
JMBF will continue to monitor this situation closely and stand in solidarity with Hafizul Islam and all individuals in Bangladesh facing persecution due to their sexual orientation. We reaffirm our commitment to fighting for equality, justice, and the fundamental rights of all people, regardless of their identity.
Brief History
On October 23, 2024, the authorities of Islamic University, Kushtia, issued a letter signed by Acting Registrar H.M. Ali Hasan, directing Hafizul Islam to refrain from all departmental activities, including teaching students. This decision was based on written and verbal complaints from students, as well as demonstrations organized by pro-Islamic student groups. A committee was formed to investigate the allegations. Until the investigation reaches a conclusion, Hafizul Islam has been instructed to refrain from all academic, examination-related, and other departmental activities.
On October 22, students of the Development Studies Department staged a protest demanding the resignation of Assistant Professor Hafizul Islam. They organized a march starting from the Rabindra-Nazrul Arts Building and moved through various key streets of the university. At the main gate, they hung an effigy of the accused and threw shoes at it. Later in the afternoon, the students burned the effigy at the university’s main gate.
Earlier, on October 8, the university administration formed a five-member committee to investigate the allegations, with a directive to submit its report within ten working days. This followed a protest by students of the Development Studies Department at Islamic University on October 7, demanding the resignation and dismissal of the accused faculty member. At 2 PM, they gathered at the main entrance of the administration building, chanting slogans and calling for his resignation and dismissal. Around 2:45 PM, the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Nakib Mohammad Nasrullah, along with other faculty members of the Development Studies Department, met with the protesting students.
Following the discussion, the Vice-Chancellor announced the formation of an investigation committee in response to the allegations. The students declared that Hafizul Islam would be boycotted in the department and proceeded to boycott his classes and examinations.
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