Sylhet's Metropolitan University faces backlash over expulsion of transgender student
The university issued the expulsion order on 13 August, citing allegations that Sahara had threatened individuals online and carried a knife on campus, creating fear among students.
Metropolitan University in Sylhet has permanently expelled a transgender student, Sahara Chowdhury, prompting criticism from citizens, rights groups and student bodies.
Sahara, who is also an activist in a transgender women's organisation, was a final-year student of the English department.
The university issued the expulsion order on 13 August, citing allegations that Sahara had threatened individuals online and carried a knife on campus, creating fear among students.
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University Proctor Sheikh Ashraful Rahman claimed that Sahara had "threatened some respected people online" and that "her activities on campus created panic among students," adding that classmates even threatened to boycott classes.
He also said that Sahara, who was admitted under the name Safwan Chowdhury Rabil, later began identifying as a transgender woman and dressing accordingly.
"Our society and laws do not allow such practices," he stated, claiming the administration tried to let her continue studies but "she did not change her behaviour."
The controversy began after Sahara shared a satirical cartoon on Facebook mocking former Brac University teacher Asif Mahtab Utso and others. Following allegations that the post amounted to a threat, a general diary (GD) was filed against her at Sylhet's Bhatera Police Station. Some students and outside groups then reportedly pressured the university to expel her.
In response, Sahara said, "I only shared a satirical cartoon on Facebook. They labeled it as a criminal activity and filed a GD against me. Soon after, some students demanded action and the university expelled me without stating any clear reason."
Meanwhile, in a joint statement issued today (16 August), 162 citizens denounced the university's move and demanded that Sahara's expulsion be immediately revoked and that she be allowed to continue her studies.
They also urged the state to ensure the constitutional right to individual identity for all marginalised and gender minority individuals.
The signatories include Dr Samina Lutfa, a professor at the University of Dhaka; Anu Muhammad, a former professor at Jahangirnagar University; Azfar Hossain, a writer and professor at Grand Valley State University, US; Manzur Al Matin, a lawyer; journalist Saydia Gulrukh; Siuti Sabur, a teacher at Brac University; researcher Nasrin Khandaker and Abeda Gulrukh, a lawyer at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Students' Union's Sylhet district unit has also condemned the expulsion, calling it unjust and demanding immediate withdrawal of the decision. Its president, Monisha Wahid, said, "When Sahara enrolled, she was already a transgender woman, and the university welcomed her warmly. Now, under mob pressure, they have expelled her unfairly."
She also defended Sahara's carrying of a knife, saying it was only for personal security after her transition and that the university authorities were fully aware of it.
