The University Teachers’ Network has demanded the immediate reinstatement of two faculty members dismissed from the University of Asia Pacific (UAP), alleging that the decision was influenced by a “mob” and violated academic freedom.
The demand was made during a press conference at the National Press Club on Wednesday, organized in protest against the dismissal of Laika Bashir, assistant professor of Sociology, and ASM Mohsin, associate professor and head of Sociology at UAP’s Department of Basic Sciences and Humanities.
Speakers claimed that the university authorities surrendered to mob pressure, dismissing the two teachers without following due process, thereby undermining academic freedom and institutional autonomy.
The Teachers’ Network presented four key demands:
- Immediate reinstatement of the dismissed teachers and protection of staff and students opposing the decision.
- Restoration of due process and the rule of law, ensuring accountability for anti-education practices and mob intimidation.
- Cessation of threats against university teachers and staff, with implementation of unified service rules for job security.
- Protection of academic discipline and freedom to uphold the core values of universities.
The speakers also criticized the silence of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Education, describing it as deeply concerning amid such a serious breach of academic norms.
Highlighting the broader context, they said Bangladesh is facing a prolonged crisis of academic freedom, with powerful groups suppressing dissent and enforcing conformity. While the July mass uprising had raised hopes for democratic restoration and freedom of expression, these hopes, they warned, are now being undermined.
“An atmosphere of fear is spreading on university campuses, where teachers in both public and private institutions are harassed for independent or dissenting views, often under the pretext of protecting religious sentiments,” the speakers said. “The dismissal of the two UAP teachers is the latest example.”
According to the Teachers’ Network, Laika Bashir had posted on Facebook due to security concerns, not from a religious perspective. Some current and former students labelled the post offensive and subjected her to online harassment. Despite providing explanations, the pressure persisted, and the university allegedly asked her to resign over the phone without proper investigation. Fearing for her safety, Bashir filed a General Diary (GD) at Tejgaon Police Station.
An investigation committee was later formed, but the network alleged it relied on 34 anonymous submissions collected via Google Form, which they called unverifiable. Although Bashir was given time until January 22 to respond, she was dismissed before the deadline.
Regarding ASM Mohsin, the speakers claimed he was dismissed without any show-cause notice or investigation. They alleged that, despite supporting students during the July uprising, he was later labelled a supporter of the former Awami League government.
The press conference was attended by prominent academics, including economist Anu Muhammad, Professor Samina Lutfa, Associate Professor Kajoli Sehrin Islam of the University of Dhaka, Professor Kamal Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Professor Mirza Taslima Sultana of Jahangirnagar University, Associate Professor Shamima Shil of Jagannath University, and Senior Lecturer Tanvir Sobhan of BRAC University.
On Sunday, amid student protests, the university permanently dismissed the two teachers. An emergency notice signed by the acting registrar announced that regular academic activities could not continue under the prevailing circumstances, adding that discussions with relevant stakeholders were ongoing and all classes would remain suspended until further notice.