HRW Warns: Bangladesh Academics and Students Targeted for Hasina Ties
Human Rights Watch warns that students and teachers in Bangladesh are being arbitrarily punished for their alleged links to ousted leader Sheikh Hasina.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised a red flag over the systematic targeting of academics and students at public universities in Bangladesh. According to the rights group, scores of individuals are being arbitrarily punished due to their alleged affiliations with former ruler Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party.
A Cycle of Repression
The watchdog warns that punishing individuals for their peaceful beliefs or bypassing due process is a direct violation of international human rights laws regarding freedom of expression and association. HRW suggests that these actions are merely mirroring the abusive tactics used by previous administrations to stifle political dissent within educational institutions.
“Bangladesh has a long history of political debate in its universities, and only autocrats should fear such discourse, not a government formed following student protests,” stated Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. She emphasized that the country must move past its history of repression rather than repeating it every time the ruling and opposition parties swap places.
Nature of the Crackdown
The sanctions being imposed range from dismissals and suspensions to strict restrictions on teaching. These penalties are based on several allegations, including:
- Complicity in violence carried out by the Awami League government before it was toppled in 2024.
- Engagement in "subversive" activities to support the former party.
- Alleged discrimination against students who wear Islamic clothing.
The purge extends to the student body as well, with hundreds of alleged Awami League members and supporters being expelled, effectively denying them their fundamental right to education.
Evidence of Systematic Targeting
To reach these conclusions, Human Rights Watch interviewed more than a dozen affected educators, analyzed university correspondence, and reviewed social media videos and televised discussions. These sources confirmed the cancellation of exam certificates, barring of students from campuses, and forced expulsions.
Further reports from August 2026 indicate that at least 404 academics across 22 universities are under investigation simply for being part of a pro-Awami League Telegram group. One professor, speaking anonymously for security reasons, lamented that university authorities are using false allegations to target those who did not support the 2024 student movement, leaving them unable to teach or conduct research.
The Political Backdrop
This wave of sanctions follows a period of intense turmoil. In July and August 2024, a brutal police crackdown on student protests resulted in hundreds of deaths, eventually forcing Sheikh Hasina to flee the country. This paved the way for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to return to power following elections in February 2026. Additionally, an interim government criminalized the activities of the Awami League in May 2025.
University-Specific Purges
The report highlights that partisan management has plagued Bangladeshi universities for years, with hiring and promotions often tied to political loyalty. Recent actions include:
Dhaka University
At the nation's most prestigious institution, authorities ordered 44 academics to cease work and restricted the assignments of 25 others in September 2024, without transparent disciplinary probes. Later, six were formally suspended, and 14 more are under investigation.
Bangladesh Agricultural University (Mymensingh)
Authorities here dismissed, suspended, or removed 12 academics and restricted the activities of 34 others. HRW noted that the "investigation commission" used for these actions did not seem to follow legally established disciplinary procedures.
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (Dhaka)
Twelve academics have been temporarily suspended and 10 others removed from academic duties. Teachers reported that they were barred from attending the inquiry process, which they claim is a breach of the law governing academic discipline.