TL;DR
- Bangladesh university expelled students over alleged homosexuality.
- Advocacy groups condemn the university’s actions.
- The expulsions are seen as violations of human rights.
- LGBTQ+ individuals face significant stigma in Bangladesh.
- The university claims a zero-tolerance policy against ‘immoral activities’.
In a shocking turn of events, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University in Bangladesh has taken a hardline stance against its own students, expelling four and handing two others to the police over allegations of homosexuality. This draconian act has drawn fierce condemnation from JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), who argue that such actions are not only oppressive but also a blatant violation of human rights.
JMBF chief adviser Robert Simon didn’t mince words, stating, “When an educational institution attempts to control private life, personal relationships, and sexual identity, it ceases to be a place of education and humanity and instead becomes an instrument of oppression. This must stop immediately.” And who could disagree?
The incidents that sparked this outrage occurred on May 16 and May 19, when the university administration decided to take drastic measures against students allegedly involved in same-sex relationships. According to JMBF, two students from the Mahabalipur area were detained and handed over to local police, while four others were temporarily expelled for their supposed immoral behavior at a nearby student residence.
In an official order, the university’s Registrar, Professor Dr. Md. Abu Hasan, claimed that the students’ actions had tarnished the university’s image and were classified as “immoral activities” under Section 15 of the Ordinance of Students’ Discipline. Talk about a severe overreaction!
University Proctor Professor Dr. Nausher One defended the expulsions, asserting, “We have adopted a zero-tolerance policy against this social degradation. Immediate actions have already been taken against the accused upon receiving the allegations.” Oh, please! This is not about maintaining decorum; it’s about suppressing the very essence of who these students are.
JMBF has also pointed out that these actions represent a broader pattern of human rights violations in Bangladesh, where LGBTQ+ individuals face significant stigma and safety risks. Same-sex sexual activity has been criminalized under colonial-era laws, leaving many in fear of reporting harassment or seeking help. The situation is dire, but it’s not all doom and gloom—Bangladesh is home to the Hijra community, officially recognized as a third gender since 2013, and there have been strides in representation, like the election of the first trans mayor in 2021.
However, incidents like this underscore the urgent need for change. As JMBF highlighted, this isn’t the first time the university has acted against its students. A similar incident occurred back in January, when a student and an admission candidate were detained and handed over to police for alleged homosexual activities.
It’s time for educational institutions to reflect on their role in society and recognize that they should be havens for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation. The world is watching, and the call for justice is louder than ever. Let’s hope this university realizes that oppression is not the answer, and that love is love, no matter where you are.