The Global Bangladesh Unity Network (GBUN) expresses deep concern over the ongoing investigation and inquiry involving 404 teachers across 22 public universities in Bangladesh. These investigations and inquiries were initiated following media reports publishing politically sensitive allegations regarding their activities. Such a large-scale institutional move against so many educators raises serious questions regarding academic freedom, freedom of expression, university autonomy, due process, and the rule of law.

According to published reports, the universities where teachers have been linked to these allegations include: Dhaka University, Jagannath University, Rajshahi University, Islamic University, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Sylhet Agricultural University, Comilla University, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, Kurigram Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Chittagong University, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Begum Rokeya University, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Bangladesh Open University, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mujibnagar University, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna Agricultural University, and Shahjalal University of Science and Technology.

GBUN notes with grave concern that the issue has not remained limited to allegations published in media reports; in several universities, it has escalated into formal administrative proceedings. According to office orders reviewed by GBUN, investigation or inquiry committees have been formed in several public universities, including Comilla University, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Islamic University, and Noakhali Science and Technology University. This indicates that formal administrative inquiries have commenced following the media reports.

When allegations against hundreds of educators reach the stage of a formal investigation, the responsibility of university authorities increases manifold. It is critical to ensure whether the investigations are conducted independently and impartially, whether decisions are made based on reliable evidence, and whether the affected teachers receive fair treatment. An investigation or administrative procedure can severely impact a teacher's reputation, livelihood, and professional standing even before the veracity of the allegations is established.

GBUN’s position is clear: the objective of an investigation must be to unearth the truth, not to presume guilt beforehand. No teacher should be assumed guilty from the outset. The allegations against them must be explicitly communicated, and they must be given a meaningful opportunity to respond and present their defense. No disciplinary or adverse administrative measures should be taken before the allegations are thoroughly verified and proven.

Allegations published in the media cannot be treated as proven facts. Similarly, the formation of an investigation or inquiry committee does not establish the guilt of any educator involved. When formal investigations or inquiries are initiated based on media reports, every allegation and the evidence presented in its support must be independently and impartially verified. The concerned teachers must be informed of the charges against them and granted full opportunity to respond and defend themselves. The entire process must be fair, impartial, transparent, and evidence-based; no one should be deemed guilty without due process.

Academic Freedom and University Autonomy

Academic freedom is a fundamental pillar of higher education, research, and the open pursuit of knowledge. A university is an independent intellectual space where teachers and researchers can engage in instruction, research, professional duties, and expression without fear, intimidation, retaliation, or unwarranted interference.

GBUN firmly believes that a teacher’s political views or identity, affiliation with lawful organizations, academic activities, or peaceful expression should never serve as grounds for disciplinary action against them. To safeguard university autonomy, any decision regarding faculty members must align with established laws, reliable evidence, and the university’s own statutes and procedures. These decisions must remain free from political, partisan, or any other inappropriate external influences.

The purpose of an investigation or inquiry must be to uncover the truth impartially—not to predetermine guilt, harass, exert professional pressure, or indirectly penalize anyone.

Constitutional and International Standards

GBUN wishes to emphasize that fundamental principles such as freedom of expression, legal protection, and fair treatment are enshrined in the Constitution of Bangladesh. These principles are also reflected in internationally recognized standards of human rights and academic freedom. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) protects the freedom of opinion and expression, and Article 26 recognizes the right to education. Bangladesh is a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which safeguards freedom of opinion and expression. Similarly, Bangladesh is a state party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), which guarantees the right to education.

In this context, GBUN also draws attention to UNESCO’s 1997 Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel. This recommendation underscores the importance of academic freedom, professional freedom, institutional autonomy, as well as due process and professional protection for higher education teaching staff.

The core message of these principles and international standards is clear: where credible allegations of misconduct exist, a university can and should investigate them. However, the investigation must be lawful, independent, impartial, transparent, and evidence-based. Concurrently, the rights, dignity, and academic freedom of the individuals involved must be fully respected throughout the process.

GBUN's Call

GBUN calls upon the relevant university authorities and responsible institutions to:

• Ensure an independent, impartial, transparent, and evidence-based investigation into all allegations raised against the teachers. Safeguard their rights, dignity, and professional standing throughout the entire process. • Adhere strictly to due process and the natural principles of justice in any investigation or subsequent disciplinary proceeding. No individual should be considered guilty or subjected to disciplinary measures until the allegations are properly substantiated. • Independently verify every allegation and piece of evidence reported in the media. No adverse administrative or disciplinary action should be taken against anyone based on unverified or unproven claims. • Protect academic freedom, university autonomy, freedom of expression, and professional dignity. Ensure that no educator faces intimidation, harassment, retaliation, or professional harm due to their political opinions or identity, affiliation with lawful organizations, academic activities, or peaceful expression. • Maintain transparency, accountability, and institutional autonomy in university governance and decision-making, keeping the process entirely free from improper political, partisan, or external influence. Furthermore, continued engagement with national and international academic and human rights communities is essential to uphold recognized standards of academic freedom, university autonomy, due process, and the rule of law.

Accountability and Academic Freedom Are Not Mutually Exclusive

The ongoing investigations and inquiries involving hundreds of teachers across Bangladesh's public universities are not merely an issue for the individuals concerned; they touch upon the country’s academic freedom, university autonomy, and the credibility and future of the higher education system itself.

GBUN believes that accountability and academic freedom are not mutually exclusive. Where credible evidence exists, allegations of misconduct must be investigated. However, no allegation can be assumed to be true prior to the completion of a fair and impartial process. Nor is it acceptable for any educator to face professional damage due to their political opinions or identity, affiliation with lawful organizations, or peaceful expression. GBUN urges the relevant university authorities to ensure that all investigations and inquiries are conducted in accordance with existing laws and the universities' own regulations, based on reliable evidence, and carried out impartially. Every affected teacher must be informed of the allegations and provided with a meaningful opportunity to state their position and defend themselves.

GBUN expresses its solidarity with all teachers and researchers in Bangladesh's academic community who face potential risks to their academic freedom, freedom of expression, right to fair treatment, and professional dignity.

Protecting these rights and principles is vital not only for the teachers involved, but also for preserving the independence, credibility, and international standing of Bangladesh’s higher education system. GBUN will continue its engagement at both national and international levels to uphold academic freedom, university autonomy, due process, and the rule of law.

On behalf of the Global Bangladesh Unity Network (GBUN): Dr. Abul Hasnat Milton Faez Khan Tauhid 22 August 2026