The Citizen Initiative (CI) expresses grave concern and strongly condemns the recent actions taken by the Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) administration, including the suspension of 37 students and the filing of legal cases against 22 others. These measures, following the February 18 clashes involving the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, represent a troubling escalation in the suppression of student activism.
The administration’s decision to suspend students without transparent procedures or the opportunity for defense undermines the principles of justice and due process. Furthermore, the filing of cases against students appears to be an attempt to intimidate and silence those advocating for a politics-free campus.
CI is particularly concerned that perceived bias by university authorities toward politically affiliated interests may seriously compromise the neutrality and integrity of educational institutions. When administrative decisions appear to align with partisan goals, it threatens to turn campuses into battlegrounds for political agendas rather than spaces for academic growth and critical inquiry.
CI calls upon the KUET administration and the Government of Bangladesh to:
- Immediately revoke the suspensions and drop all charges against the affected students.
- Ensure transparent and fair investigative processes in line with international human rights standards.
- Uphold the rights of students to peaceful assembly and expression without fear of retaliation.
Educational institutions must be spaces of learning and critical thought, free from political interference and repression. Citizen Initiative stands in solidarity with the students of KUET and urges all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue, transparency, and justice.
Best regards
Taib Ahmed
General Secretary
Citizen Initiative
Instructor and PhD Candidate
Colorado State University
Dr. Hasan Mahmud
Chairman
Citizen Initiative
Assistant Professor
Northwestern University, Qatar
