Bangladesh group condemns anti-gay discrimination at Islamic University, Kushtia
Assistant professor was placed on leave due to unproven allegations of homosexuality
Hafizul Islam, an assistant professor at Islamic University in Kushtia, has been placed on mandatory leave after several students accused him of homosexuality.
The allegations, which have not been proven, and the punishment he has suffered are examples of the systemic discrimination and human rights abuses faced by actual and perceived members of sexual minority communities in Bangladesh, according to the rights group JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF).
Below is a lightly edited statement from JMBF:
JMBF Strongly Condemns Discriminatory Actions by Islamic University, Kushtia
The France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh Foundation (JMBF), expresses its deep concern and condemnation over the decision by Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia to place Assistant Professor Hafizul Islam on mandatory leave for one year and cancel his annual increment, following allegations of homosexuality on January 26, 2025. These punitive measures represent a gross violation of human rights, freedom of expression, and dignity.
JMBF asserts that this action, stemming from allegations alone and without transparent due process, not only tarnishes the reputation of a faculty member but also sets a dangerous precedent for perpetuating discrimination and stigmatization of individuals based on their sexual orientation. Such practices go against Bangladesh’s constitutional commitment to equality and justice for all citizens and stand in direct conflict with global human rights standards.
According to reports published in several newspapers in Bangladesh, Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia placed Hafizul Islam, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Development Studies, on mandatory leave for one year following allegations of homosexuality. The decision also resulted in the cancellation of his annual increment for the same period.
On Sunday, January 26, 2025, the university’s Acting Registrar, HM Ali Hasan, issued an official order regarding the matter. According to the order, the decision was based on complaints from students of the department and the findings of an investigation committee formed by the Vice-Chancellor. The decision invoked Sections (4) i (b) and (5) of the Islamic University Employee Efficiency and Discipline Rules.
The conflict began on October 7, 2024, when students of the Development Studies Department held a protest demanding Hafizul Islam’s resignation and dismissal. Chanting slogans, the students gathered at the administration building and voiced their demands. Following discussions with the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Nakib Mohammad Nasrullah, a five-member investigation committee was formed on October 8, tasked with submitting its report within ten working days.
The controversy escalated on October 22, 2024, when students from the Development Studies Department staged a protest demanding Hafizul Islam’s resignation. The students organized a march starting from the Rabindra-Nazrul Arts Building and proceeded through key areas of the university. At the main gate, they hung an effigy of the accused, threw shoes at it, and later burned the effigy in a public display of protest.
The next day, the university administration issued a letter signed by Acting Registrar HM Ali Hasan, instructing Hafizul Islam to refrain from all departmental activities, including teaching students. This decision followed written and verbal complaints from students, as well as demonstrations organized by pro-Islamic student groups. A committee was subsequently formed to investigate the allegations, during which Hafizul Islam was barred from all academic, examination-related, and departmental responsibilities until the investigation was concluded.
During this period, the students announced a boycott of Hafizul Islam’s classes and examinations, effectively severing his involvement in departmental activities.
“The decision to punish an individual solely based on their perceived sexual orientation reflects a disturbing level of prejudice. This action is a clear violation of the fundamental human rights to privacy, equality, and non-discrimination. We urge the Bangladesh government and the Islamic University authority to reconsider its decision and take steps to foster an inclusive and respectful environment for all,” says Robert Simon, Chief Adviser of JMBF.
Shahanur Islam, the Founder and President of JMBF, echoes the sentiment.
“Such discriminatory actions not only undermine human dignity but also violate international human rights obligations that Bangladesh has pledged to uphold. Targeting and punishing someone for their sexual orientation perpetuates hatred and injustice. We demand the immediate reinstatement of Hafizul Islam, a public apology from the university authorities, and the establishment of safeguards to protect individuals from such discriminatory practices,” he says.
JMBF urges the interim government led by Nobel Peace laureate Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus to protect sexual minority individuals by decriminalizing homosexuality in Bangladesh through the repeal of Section 377 of the Bangladesh Penal Code. We also call for the swift enactment of a Sexual Minority Protection Act to ensure comprehensive safeguards.
JMBF is continuously monitoring the development of this incident.
JMBF is committed to fighting against all forms of injustice, discrimination, and human rights violations. We call upon civil society, human rights organizations, and concerned citizens to raise their voices against this alarming incident. Bangladesh must strive to uphold its commitment to justice, equality, and the protection of human rights for all its citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation.
