'Justice must follow due process': University Teachers’ Network questions punishment of 7 teachers, list of 231 others

The University Teachers' Network, Dhaka University, has expressed deep concern over disciplinary measures taken against seven teachers and the preparation of a list of 231 teachers at the university.

In a statement sent to the media last night (2 August), the organisation said these steps may be contrary to due process and justice.

It also urged the university administration to reconsider the decisions.

The statement said a section of teachers supporting the current government has prepared a list of 231 teachers in the name of opposing fascism and approached the vice-chancellor demanding blanket action against all of them.

It said the move is contrary to academic freedom and conflicts with the Dhaka University Order 1973, as expressing or supporting a political opinion is not a crime.

The statement said retaliatory treatment of colleagues merely for holding different views is reminiscent of Awami League-aligned fascist teachers blinded by the arrogance of power.

It further said ensuring accountability for those who incited or directed violence against students, tolerated an oppressive environment in residential halls, filed harassing complaints against colleagues or actively opposed students' legitimate movements was one of the key pledges of the July Uprising.

However, such accountability must be ensured through established legal and judicial procedures, not through retaliation or an ideological cleansing campaign, said the network.

Regarding the disciplinary measures against the seven teachers, the statement said the teachers concerned have alleged that the decisions were taken without allowing them to defend themselves and before the allegations were proven.

It described both processes as opaque and clear violations of due process and natural justice.

The network placed five demands before the university administration: ensuring specific written allegations against any person before taking action; conducting an impartial, transparent and credible investigation into every allegation; properly informing every accused person of the allegations and giving them a full opportunity to defend themselves; making decisions based on evidence and following the tiered procedure stipulated in the Dhaka University Order; and immediately reconsidering and withdrawing all blanket measures taken solely based on political opinion, identity or inclusion on a list.

The statement said a university is not a place for retaliation or ideological cleansing; rather, it is a shared space for the free pursuit of knowledge and open debate–an institution of freedom of thought and expression, academic freedom and the rule of law.