JU students condemn online smear campaign against Prof Dr Rezwana Karim Snigdha

Students of the Anthropology Department at Jahangirnagar University (JU) have issued a formal statement condemning recent online smear campaigns, cyberbullying, and planned defamation targeting Associate Professor Dr. Rezwana Karim Snigdha.

In the statement released on Wednesday (April 7), students expressed deep concern over social media posts that have selectively quoted and distorted the teacher’s remarks, creating misleading impressions about her personal stance.

They stressed that these actions are not constructive criticism but a deliberate attempt to socially discredit a faculty member.

The students highlighted that the language, tone, and presentation used on various online platforms carry broader societal implications. They described the situation as an example of “symbolic targeting,” where attacks on a female teacher create an atmosphere of fear, silence, and self-censorship affecting other female faculty and students.

Citing the Jahangirnagar University Act, 1973, the students noted that the authority to manage administrative and disciplinary matters rests solely with designated university bodies. Any defamatory actions by student organisations or individuals constitute misuse of power and institutional overreach.

They also emphasised the gendered dimension of the attacks, noting that distorting a female teacher’s statements and targeting her online reflects underlying societal biases and structural violence against women.

A memorandum signed by over a hundred anthropology students has already been submitted to the Vice-Chancellor.

In the memorandum, the students have demanded immediate retraction of false information, a public unconditional apology, a clear stance from student bodies like Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (JUCSU), and the establishment of effective policies to prevent future cyberbullying and defamation.

The statement concluded that targeting a teacher in this manner undermines not only an individual but also the integrity of a free academic environment where critique, analysis, and expression should flourish without fear.