2 UAP teachers expelled over 'religious disrespect' charges, campus closed indefinitely

The University of Asia Pacific (UAP) has dismissed two faculty members following student protests over allegations of “insulting religion” and has announced the indefinite closure of the campus a day later.

The university administration announced the decision through an emergency notice issued at around 3:00 pm on Monday (January 19) and via email to students.

Earlier, on Sunday (January 18) evening, separate notices signed by the university registrar confirmed the dismissal of Assistant Professor Layeka Bashir and Associate Professor Dr. ASM Mohsin from the Department of Basic Science and Humanities.

According to the university authorities, the allegations against the two teachers were longstanding, and given the recent situation, a swift decision was deemed necessary. However, both dismissed teachers have claimed they were subjected to harassment and were denied any opportunity to defend themselves.

The controversy began on December 10, when Assistant Professor Layeka Bashir shared a critical post on her personal Facebook account regarding the cultural practice of covering one’s face with a veil. After the post circulated widely on social media, a section of current and former students labeled it “religiously offensive” and launched protests.

Layeka Bashir has alleged that following the post, she faced threats and abusive remarks.

Tensions escalated on the first day of the new semester at the University of Asia Pacific (UAP) as a section of current and former students held protests, press conferences, and sit-in demonstrations on campus. Shortly afterward, the university administration decided to dismiss two faculty members.

Protesting students claimed that the dismissed teachers made anti-Islamic statements and showed political bias. However, students opposing the dismissals argued that the move was a targeted campaign to “tag” one teacher and exert mob pressure.

The university said a committee was investigating the matter, but due to the sensitive nature of the situation, action was taken before the committee could release its final report.

Meanwhile, part of the academic community has criticized the decision, describing it as “arbitrary” and a “dangerous precedent.” The University Teachers’ Network also condemned the dismissals and criticized the administration’s role in the matter.