The University Teachers’ Network has issued a stern statement condemning the harassment of two faculty members at the University of Asia Pacific (UAP) and the subsequent “arbitrary” role of the university administration.
The network expressed deep concern over the rising “mob culture” in educational institutions, specifically citing the cases of Assistant Professor Layeka Bashir and Associate Professor Dr. A S M Mohsin (also known as Sayem Mohsin) from the Department of Basic Sciences and Humanities.
The Incident
According to the statement issued on Monday, Layeka Bashir, a teacher of 17 years, has been targeted by a group of extremist students. The group has reportedly demanded her termination and issued threats, creating a hostile environment that has endangered her personal safety.
Dr. A S M Mohsin, former Director of the Directorate of Students’ Welfare and current Head of the Department, has also faced harassment for standing in support of his colleague.
The Network noted that the allegations against Layeka Bashir—which involve her academic teachings in sociology—have been used as a pretext to curb academic freedom. They criticized the university administration for forming an investigation committee based on “unacceptable” and “irrational” complaints rather than defending the faculty.
Threat to Academic Freedom
The University Teachers’ Network highlighted that the July uprising was meant to restore democracy and freedom of speech. However, they observed with frustration that “radical mobs” are now attempting to destroy the fundamental concept of a university by using religious sentiments as a “cheap shield” to attack independent thought.
“If this trend continues, Bangladesh will pay a heavy price in the global higher education arena. We cannot allow fascist groups to stifle independent thought and debate in our institutions,” the statement read.
Demands for Action
The network expressed its disappointment with the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC) for their silence on the matter. They placed four specific demands:
- Immediate Punishment: Legal action against the “mobs” who harassed Layeka Bashir and Dr. A S M Mohsin.
- Authorities’ Intervention: Proactive roles from university authorities to stop anti-academic activities.
- Job Security: An end to the culture of threatening faculty and staff with termination, supported by the implementation of protective policies.
- Upholding Values: Commitment to preserving the spirit of academic freedom and the core identity of the university.
The statement concluded by reiterating that the University Teachers’ Network remains committed to upholding democratic values and the freedom of thought within all educational institutions in Bangladesh.
