Scholars for Bangladesh, an independent platform of academics, researchers, and authors convened by UK-based author Syed Badrul Ahsan, has issued a statement expressing grave concern over the escalating erosion of academic and intellectual freedom in Bangladesh.
Endorsed by over 55 scholars from more than 35 universities across Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia, the statement condemns arrests, resignations, and restrictions in higher education and highlights a disturbing pattern of repression under the interim government of Bangladesh led by Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Documented cases include the politically motivated arrests of academicians like Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Karzon, Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, Abul Barkat, S. M. Anwara Begum, Dr. Shamsul Alam, Mr. Sohel Hasan Galib, and Professor Shibli Rubayat ul Islam.
The group also records forced resignations of vice-chancellors, punitive measures against faculty, and widespread intimidation of academics, social commentators, and journalists.
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Bangladeshโs ranking in the global Academic Freedom Index (2024โ2025) has fallen sharply. The decline reflects reduced institutional autonomy, restrictions on teaching, and weaker protections for academic expression. Reports also point to growing self-censorship and direct government interference in higher education, the statement issued on September 11 said.
Notably, 39% of the statementโs signatories chose anonymity in fear of reprisals against themselves or their families. This is presented as a stark indicator of the repressive climate. The scholars argue that these actions violate international standards.
They cite UNESCOโs 1997 Recommendation on the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel. They also refer to Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
โSuch repression threatens the core of global academiaโcritical thinking, open dialogue, and the protection of diverse ideas,โ the scholars said in the statement, calling for an immediate end to politically motivated arrests.
They urged the protection of university autonomy and an international inquiry into the suppression of academic freedom.
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The group also warned that inaction risks normalising the criminalisation of free thought. Such a trend, they argued, sets a dangerous precedent for global scholarship and democratic integrity.
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