The suspension of a professor of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), for allegedly making derogatory comments about the prime minister, bodes ill for the state of freedom of expression in our country.
Undue influence of politics is already a big problem in our public universities. It undermines proper governance and leads to mismanagement in our educational institutions. Suspending a professor for his alleged political opinions adds a frightful dimension to the status quo.
It is concerning that the suspension for the alleged remarks, which were made in a private moment, came about after disruptive protests by students and teachers at the university last week demanding the professor’s removal. The lecturer denies making derogatory remarks about the PM and has claimed that he is being victimised for his private political views.
Even if the allegations being made are true, this should not provide sufficient grounds for suspension. Professors at public universities, are like any other government employee entitled to their own political opinions and the right to express them. They should only be penalised if they fail to perform their job duties properly.
The university must show that this suspension was invoked for just cause, relating to job performance and not to placate protestors seeking the removal of a professor at the university. If just cause cannot be demonstrated, he should be reinstated to his post. Otherwise, this incident sets a dangerous precedent which can only curtail freedom of expression in our public institutions.
