The University Teachers’ Network on Wednesday demanded immediate reinstatement of two faculty members of the University of Asia Pacific (UAP), terming their dismissal “a surrender to mob intimidation and a serious violation of academic freedom and due process”.
At a press conference at the National Press Club, the network protested the termination of Assistant Professor of Sociology Layeqa Bashir, and Associate Professor and department head ASM Mohsin of the Department of Sociology under the Basic Sciences and Humanities faculty.
The two teachers were permanently dismissed last Sunday following student protests, the network said.
Presenting a four-point charter, the network demanded the immediate reinstatement of the two teachers and an end to harassment of protesting teachers and students. It also called for punitive action against those involved in intimidation and false allegations, alongside clear policies to ensure job security and academic freedom.
Following the dismissals, the UAP acting registrar issued an emergency notice on Monday night, saying the situation was not conducive to regular academic activities, and suspended all classes until further notice while consultations continue.
In a written statement read out by former Jahangirnagar University professor Anu Muhammad, the network said the dismissals set a “reprehensible precedent” in the country’s university history.
It alleged that Laika Bashir was targeted over a Facebook post she later clarified was related to security concerns, not religion, and that she was pressured to resign before a full investigation.
The network also claimed the probe relied on 34 anonymous complaints submitted through Google Forms and that Bashir was dismissed before the 22 January deadline given to her to respond, calling the move contrary to natural justice.
Regarding ASM Mohsin, the network said he was dismissed without a show-cause notice or any investigation, and alleged he was falsely labelled over his stance during the July movement.
Speakers at the press conference, including Dhaka University Professor Samina Lutfah and BRAC University academic Saumitra Joydeep, warned that academic freedom was under threat, alleging that religion was being used as a tool to silence dissent across universities.
Others who spoke included Mirza Taslima Sultana and Tanveer Sobhan, while Kamal Chowdhury, Kajalie Shehreen Islam, Samio Sheesh and Shyamoli Shill were among those present.
Civil society representatives, including Transparency International Bangladesh Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman, lawyer Manzur Al Matin and environmental activist Amirul Rajib, also attended the event.
