Paris, November 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
At least 2,051 students, teachers and academics across 229 higher education institutions in Bangladesh have allegedly faced politically motivated persecution, with a human rights organisation documenting cases of academic exclusion, intimidation, violence and discrimination.
In its latest report, titled Persecution of Teachers and Students in Bangladesh’s Higher Education Sector: Academic Exclusion, Coercion and the Struggle for Justice and Accountability, Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) documented alleged human rights violations between August 2024 and October 2026.
According to the report, those affected include 1,569 students and 482 teachers and academics. The organisation said individuals were targeted over their political affiliations, particularly links with the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated organisations, as well as their actual or perceived sexual orientation.
The findings describe several forms of alleged persecution, including politically motivated disciplinary action, physical attacks, intimidation, criminal proceedings, forced resignations, professional boycotts and restrictions on examinations.
The report also highlighted cases in which students were allegedly denied access to campuses, examinations and residential accommodation, while teachers faced disciplinary proceedings, criminal allegations and pressure to leave their positions.
JMBF Founder President Shahanur Islam said universities should remain centres of knowledge, academic freedom and critical thinking rather than becoming spaces for political retaliation and discrimination.
He stressed that students should not be deprived of education because of their political identities and teachers should not lose their livelihoods for holding differing political opinions.
“Political affiliation is not a crime, academic freedom is not a privilege, and education must never become an instrument of collective punishment,” Islam said.
JMBF called on Bangladeshi authorities to end what it described as politically motivated academic exclusion, intimidation, violence and discriminatory disciplinary measures. It also urged the government to ensure that all eligible students have safe and unrestricted access to education, examinations, campuses and residential facilities.
Warning of wider consequences, the organisation said the alleged persecution could damage academic careers, weaken institutional independence and undermine confidence in Bangladesh’s higher education system.
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