JMBF Calls for the Withdrawal of Arbitrary Suspensions and Punitive Proceedings Threatening Academic Freedom
On 31 August 2026, the University of Dhaka Syndicate reportedly suspended Professor M. Wahiduzzaman Chan, Professor Muhammad Mahbubur Rahman, and Professor Moshiur Rahman over allegations that they had opposed the July mass uprising. The university also reportedly constituted tribunals to hear the cases against them.
In a separate incident, Jagannath University’s Acting Registrar, Professor Dr. Md. Sheikh Gias Uddin, reportedly issued a show-cause notice dated 9 August 2026 to Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, requiring him to explain why he should not be dismissed or otherwise disciplined.
The allegations against Professor Nazrul Islam reportedly include liking and commenting on an online news report and allegedly assisting in its publication. Although the matter remains under investigation, he has reportedly been relieved of his teaching, examination, and other routine responsibilities.
JMBF recognises that universities may investigate genuine professional misconduct. However, disciplinary proceedings must respect the principles of legality, proportionality, impartiality, transparency, the presumption of innocence, and the right to an effective defence.
Protected expression or perceived political opinion must not be used as grounds for suspension, dismissal, or professional exclusion. Punitive action taken before the completion of a fair and impartial process also risks creating a chilling effect throughout Bangladesh’s academic community.
These actions raise serious concerns under Articles 27, 31, and 39 of the Constitution of Bangladesh, Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Article 13 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
JMBF therefore urges the relevant authorities to:
- Withdraw the suspensions and punitive show-cause proceedings unless specific professional misconduct is established through an independent, impartial, and transparent process;
- Restore Professor Nazrul Islam’s academic responsibilities unless any restriction is shown to be lawful, necessary, proportionate, and supported by credible evidence;
- Provide all affected professors with full details of the allegations and evidence against them, as well as adequate opportunities to defend themselves with legal assistance;
- Guarantee access to an independent appeal or review mechanism;
- Protect the professors, their lawyers, colleagues, students, witnesses, and family members from intimidation or retaliation;
- Ensure that no member of an academic institution is punished solely for expressing a political opinion, participating in public debate, or engaging with media content;
- Adopt effective safeguards to protect academic freedom, institutional autonomy, freedom of expression, political pluralism, and due process; and
- Provide appropriate remedies, including reinstatement, restoration of responsibilities, correction of employment records, and compensation for any unlawful harm.
JMBF calls upon concerned individuals, human rights organisations, academic institutions, and members of the international community to write to the Government of Bangladesh, the University Grants Commission, the University of Dhaka, Jagannath University, and other relevant authorities, urging them to take prompt action consistent with Bangladesh’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.
JMBF kindly requests that a copy of any action taken in response to this appeal be shared with our office.
In solidarity,
SAMPLE LETTER
To
Email: pm@pmo.gov.bd; psecy@pmo.gov.bd; press.sec@pmo.gov.bd
Subject: Urgent Appeal to End Reprisals Against Professors at the University of Dhaka and Jagannath
Dear Honourable Prime Minister,
Greetings from JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF).
JMBF, a France-based international human rights organisation guided by the principles enshrined in the International Bill of Human Rights, respectfully draws your urgent attention to the temporary suspension of three professors at the University of Dhaka on 31 August 2026 and the punitive show-cause notice dated 9 August 2026 issued to a professor at Jagannath University.
The University of Dhaka reportedly suspended Professor M. Wahiduzzaman Chan, Professor Muhammad Mahbubur Rahman, and Professor Moshiur Rahman over allegations that they had opposed the July mass uprising.
Jagannath University reportedly issued a show-cause notice to Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam over allegations that include liking and commenting on an online news report and allegedly assisting in its publication. He has also reportedly been relieved of his academic responsibilities while the matter remains under investigation.
These actions raise serious concerns regarding academic freedom, freedom of expression, procedural fairness, the presumption of innocence, and possible politically motivated reprisals.
JMBF respectfully urges you to:
- Facilitate an independent, impartial, and transparent review of the disciplinary actions;
- Ensure the withdrawal of the suspensions and punitive proceedings unless professional misconduct is established through a fair process based on credible evidence;
- Restore Professor Nazrul Islam’s academic responsibilities unless any restriction is shown to be lawful, necessary, proportionate, and supported by credible evidence;
- Ensure that the affected professors receive full details of the allegations and evidence against them and are given adequate opportunities to defend themselves;
- Guarantee access to legal representation and an independent appeal mechanism;
- Protect the professors and those assisting them from intimidation or retaliation;
- Direct the University Grants Commission to establish effective safeguards against politically motivated disciplinary action; and
- Provide appropriate remedies for any arbitrary suspension, exclusion, or other unlawful punishment.
Universities must remain places of independent thought and open debate. Disciplinary powers must not be used to suppress lawful expression, enforce political conformity, or punish academics for their actual or perceived opinions.
We firmly believe that your prompt and direct intervention will help protect the rights of the affected professors, uphold due process, and safeguard academic freedom throughout Bangladesh.
JMBF kindly requests that a copy of any action taken concerning this matter be shared with our office.
Thank you for your prompt attention.
Yours sincerely,
Copied for Kind Information and Necessary Action to:
1. His Excellency Mr. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
Email: secretary@bangabhaban.gov.bd; j.secretary@bangabhaban.gov.bd
2. The Honourable Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury
Email: rg@supremecourt.gov.bd
3. Dr. A. N. M. Ehsanul Haque Milon
Email: info@moedu.gov.bd
4. Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed
Email: chairman@ugc.gov.bd; info@ugc.gov.bd
5. Professor A. B. M. Obaidul Islam
Email: vcoffice@du.ac.bd; registrar@du.ac.bd
6. Professor Dr. Md. Rais Uddin
Email: vc@jnu.ac.bd; drrais@dis.jnu.ac.bd
7. Mr. Leopoldo Maldonado Gutiérrez
Email: hrc-sr-freedex@un.org
8. Ms. Farida Shaheed
Email: hrc-sr-education@un.org
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