In a bold and emotional plea, the University Teachers’ Network has slammed the recent dismissal of two esteemed faculty members from the University of Asia Pacific (UAP) as 'nothing short of a surrender to mob intimidation.' But here's where it gets controversial—this move, they argue, is not just an attack on individual careers but a grave violation of academic freedom and due process. And this is the part most people miss: it sets a dangerous precedent for universities everywhere.
At a press conference held earlier today at the Jatiya Press Club, the network issued a powerful four-point demand. First and foremost, they called for the immediate reinstatement of Dr. Layeqa Bashir, an assistant professor of sociology, and Dr. ASM Mohsin, an associate professor and former director of the Directorate of Student Welfare. Here’s the kicker: they also demanded an end to the harassment of teachers and students who dared to protest this decision, punishment for those behind organized intimidation and false allegations, and the implementation of clear policies to safeguard job security, due process, and academic freedom in universities.
What’s truly alarming is how this case unfolded. Dr. Bashir faced a barrage of online harassment after a Facebook post, which the network clarifies was written out of security concerns, not religious bias. Yet, a group of current and former students twisted its intent, sparking a campaign of abuse—much of it from anonymous and fake accounts. Despite issuing a clarification, Dr. Bashir was pressured to resign, with the university administration allegedly bypassing proper verification processes.
Dr. Mohsin’s case is equally troubling. He was dismissed without a show-cause notice or investigation, reportedly labeled as a supporter of the former Awami League regime. Here’s the irony: he stood firmly with students during the July uprising, yet his loyalty was questioned. This raises a critical question: Are universities becoming battlegrounds for political vendettas rather than bastions of free thought?
The inquiry process itself came under fire. The committee relied on a Google Form to gather complaints, receiving around 34 anonymous responses—making verification nearly impossible. Is this what due process looks like in academia today?
Prominent figures like economist Anu Muhammad, Professor Samina Luthfa of Dhaka University, and Professor Mirza Taslima Sultana of Jahangirnagar University were present at the press conference, lending their voices to this urgent cause. Other notable attendees included Kajalie Shehreen Islam, Shamali Shill, Kamal Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, and Tanvir Sobhan, all respected academics in their own right.
Here’s the bigger question: If universities fail to protect academic freedom and due process, what does that mean for the future of education and critical thinking? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with the network’s demands, or do you see this issue differently? Let’s spark a conversation that matters.
