The article critiques the current state of Bangladesh’s public universities, describing them as zones of “fascism” under the administration of Muhammad Yunus. Historically celebrated for their role in intellectual pursuit and democratic struggle, these institutions are now characterized by oppression, harassment, and ideological conformity.
Since August 2024, over 15,000 students have been expelled without due process, their academic identities erased. The article highlights significant administrative collusion and the systematic targeting of dissenting students and faculty, resulting in a pervasive culture of fear. Mobs, often politically motivated and backed by the universities, have attacked those who express differing views, exacerbating an atmosphere where violence is normalized.
Key cases exemplifying this oppression include attacks on professors participating in lawful academic discourse, and the intimidation faced by faculty who criticized the regime. The judiciary is portrayed as ineffective and intimidated, further eroding the rule of law.
Ultimately, the article calls for an urgent restoration of academic freedoms, fair treatment in educational institutions, and genuine democratic principles to secure a more just future for Bangladesh. The author argues that universities must reclaim their role as spaces for inquiry and dissent, essential for the country’s intellectual and democratic integrity.
