Transgender student's expulsion from Sylhet university sparks outcry

The permanent expulsion of a transgender student from Metropolitan University in Sylhet has triggered widespread debate, with rights groups and citizens describing the decision as discriminatory, while university authorities defend their action.

Bite-Sized: Why did metropolitan university permanently expel this transgender student?

According to the university, the action followed allegations that Sahara had "threatened individuals online" and "created fear among students by carrying a knife on campus."

On 13 August, Metropolitan University expelled Sahara Chowdhury, a final-year student of the English department and a transgender organiser.

The authorities said the decision came after a general diary was filed at Batera Police Station in response to satirical cartoons Sahara posted on Facebook, which were interpreted as threats. They added that some students and outside groups had demanded her expulsion.

Sahara, however, strongly denied the allegations. "I drew and shared some satirical cartoons on Facebook. They called it an act of terrorism and filed a GD against me. After that, some students issued a statement demanding action against me. A few days later, the university authorities expelled me. No reason was stated in the expulsion order," she said.

Sylhet's Metropolitan University faces backlash over expulsion of transgender student

Defending the decision, University Proctor Sheikh Ashraful Rahman said, "She (Sahara) has threatened some respected people of the state online. Additionally, her activities on the university campus have created a sense of fear among other students. She used to carry a knife with her. For this reason, other students are not willing to attend classes with her. The students had announced a class boycott."

The proctor also referred to Sahara's gender identity as a challenge. "The student was admitted to our university with the name Safwan Chowdhury Rabil. Suddenly, she became Sahara Chowdhury Rabil. Since then, she has been wearing girls' clothes. Our law and society do not allow these things."

He added, "We wanted her to complete her course. So we tried to make her understand many times. But it was of no use. Therefore, the highest authority of the university has taken action against her."

The expulsion has since been widely condemned. Student groups, rights organisations, and citizens argue that the move is unjust and discriminatory.

Sylhet's Chhatra Union president, Monisha Wahid, said, "At the time of admission, Sahara was already a transgender woman, and the university gave her a warm reception. Now, after some people created a mob, she has been unjustly expelled."

Defending Sahara's decision to carry a knife, Monisha added: "She used to carry a knife in her bag for safety after transitioning. She did this with everyone's knowledge. Even the university authorities were aware of it."

Rights activists say the case highlights the broader challenges transgender students face in accessing education in Bangladesh.