Human Rights Watch Reports Academics and Students Targeted Over Alleged AL Links
Human Rights Watch has reported that academics and students at Bangladesh’s public universities have faced arbitrary punishment over their alleged affiliation with Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. The organisation warned that punishing peaceful political beliefs or denying fair disciplinary proceedings risks repeating the repression of previous administrations.
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In a Nutshell
- HRW documented dismissals, suspensions, teaching restrictions and other sanctions affecting more than 20 public universities. Its findings draw on interviews with over a dozen affected teachers, university correspondence and video evidence.
- At Dhaka University, authorities ordered 44 academics to stop working and restricted teaching assignments for another 25, beginning in September 2024, without transparent or credible disciplinary investigations, according to HRW.
- Students have also faced suspension, withholding of exam certificates, and exclusion from campus. HRW said many accused of involvement in violence deny the allegations but have not been given a forum to answer them.
- Citing August 2026 media reports, HRW said at least 404 additional academics at 22 universities were under investigation over membership of a pro-Awami League Telegram group. This is a separate reported figure, not a count of academics HRW established had been punished.
Context
The actions followed the deadly crackdown on the July–August 2024 protests and the fall of Hasina’s government. Some university proceedings concern alleged involvement in violence, while others relate to political expression or support for the former ruling party. HRW’s central concern is the failure to distinguish individual responsibility for wrongdoing from peaceful political affiliation.
Why It Matters
According to HRW, several disciplinary actions were based on false allegations, raising serious concerns about the grounds for sanctions. Targeting peaceful supporters or denying people an opportunity to defend themselves threatens freedom of expression, freedom of association and access to education. Restrictions on teaching and research also undermine universities’ academic work and risk creating an environment in which political loyalty matters more than evidence or professional merit.
What We Think
The Awami League government used repression and partisan control against political opponents. HRW’s warning raises concerns that a change in the party in power means little if those practices continue. Ensuring accountability for violence while protecting peaceful political beliefs is needed. Credible evidence, fair hearings and independent review can help distinguish genuine misconduct from political disagreement.