Reinstate UAP teachers immediately

The University Teachers’ Network and rights organisation Naripokkho yesterday demanded the immediate reinstatement of two University of Asia Pacific (UAP) faculty members, accusing the authorities of succumbing to mob pressure.

The demand was made separately through a press conference organised by the teachers’ platform at the Jatiya Press Club and a press statement issued by Naripokkho.

At the press conference, speakers protested the termination of Layeqa Bashir, an assistant professor in the Department of Basic Sciences and Humanities, and ASM Mohsin, an associate professor and former director of the Directorate of Student Welfare.

The platform placed a four-point demand, calling for the immediate reinstatement of the two teachers, an end to the harassment of those protesting the decision, punishment of those involved in intimidation, and enforcement of policies to ensure job security. Speakers also criticised the silence of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the education ministry.

Addressing the press conference, economist Prof Anu Muhammad described the situation in universities as a “new kind of fascist aggression”.

“Fascism means everyone must think, speak, and understand the truth exactly the way I do…,” he said, attributing the rise of reactionary forces to a prolonged period of autocratic rule and the previous government’s policy of compromising with them to remain in power.

He also criticised university administrations for lacking a “backbone” and accused them of compromising with those “engaging in bullying and terrorist activities” to protect their positions.

Warning that such an environment undermines the purpose of education, he said, “If there is no space for critical thinking or questioning in history, sociology, or philosophy, then the purpose of education ceases to exist. If we must only follow a scripted narrative, there remains no difference between a human and a robot.”

According to the teachers’ network, the UAP administration pressured Bashir to resign over a Facebook post without verifying the complaints against her. An inquiry committee was formed only after she filed a General Diary with Tejgaon Police Station, citing concerns for her safety.

Speakers criticised the inquiry process, noting that the committee sought complaints through a Google Form and received around 34 anonymous submissions, making verification impossible. They also said Bashir was given until January 22 to respond but was terminated before the deadline.

Regarding Dr Mohsin, the network said he was dismissed without any investigation, reportedly after being labelled a supporter of the previous regime, despite his active role in standing with students during the July uprising.

The speakers suggested the terminations were influenced by internal politics, noting that Bashir had recently convened a sexual harassment complaint committee involving influential officials and that Mohsin had supported her stance.

Prominent academics, including Prof Samina Luthfa, Prof Mirza Taslima Sultana, and Prof Kajalie Shehreen Islam, were present at the press conference.

The UAP, which announced an indefinite closure on Monday, remained shut amid ongoing student protests over a controversial Facebook post, the subsequent termination of two faculty members on Sunday, and demands for the vice-chancellor’s removal.

In a notice issued yesterday, the university announced the academic activities are likely to begin from January 25. 

NARIPOKKHO CONDEMNS ‘MOB TERROR’

In a separate statement, Naripokkho strongly condemned Bashir’s dismissal, describing allegations of “hurting religious sentiments” as a tool of harassment.

Asserting a teacher’s right to present objective historical data and express personal opinions, the organisation said dismissing a teacher without verifying complaints or allowing the right to self-defence constitutes a clear violation of the law.

Naripokkho also expressed concern over what it described as rising “mob terror” (dangal sontrash), saying accusations of hurting religious sentiments are increasingly being weaponised to silence dissent while authorities remain inactive.