'Such vindictive behaviour reminds of fascist teachers'

The University Teacher Network has expressed concern over the preparation of a list of 231 Dhaka University teachers in the name of anti-fascism and demands for punitive action against them, as well as the recent administrative steps taken against seven teachers. The organisation has claimed that any measure taken without ensuring due legal process and the right to defend oneself is contrary to the University Order, 1973.

This concern was raised in a statement sent on Monday morning. The statement said, "Political expression or support is not a crime. Such vindictive behaviour towards colleagues simply for holding different opinions reminds us only of the Awami League fascist teachers blinded by the arrogance of power."

However, the organisation also believes that the question of accountability cannot be overlooked. The statement said that it cannot be denied that a section of university teachers during the pre-July uprising period were involved in partisan sycophancy and power-centric politics. Ensuring accountability for those who instigated violence against students, condoned repression in halls, filed harassing complaints against colleagues, or actively stood against students' legitimate movements is one of the pledges of July. However, this accountability must be ensured through established processes of law and justice—not through vengeance or ideological cleansing campaigns.

The statement also clarified a fundamental principled position. The platform said no individual can be punished simply for holding, expressing or supporting an opinion unless he or she takes specific steps to translate that opinion into violent or harmful reality. An unacceptable position may diminish respect for someone, but it cannot be the basis for depriving someone of their livelihood without due process.

The organisation also believes that preparing sweeping lists, publicising allegations in the media before they are proven, or announcing blanket investigations into all appointments made from 2009 to 2024 institutionalises a "witch-hunting" culture. The statement said such vindictive behaviour brings back a culture of fear and reminds one of those power-drunk practices against which July stood.

The organisation has made five demands to the Dhaka University administration to establish freedom of thought and expression, academic freedom and the rule of law. These are: ensuring a specific and written complaint against the aggrieved person as a prerequisite for any measure; conducting a neutral, transparent and credible investigation into each allegation; properly informing each accused of the allegations and giving them full opportunity to defend themselves; making decisions based on evidence and following the graded process set out in the 1973 Ordinance; and immediately reviewing and withdrawing all sweeping measures taken solely on the basis of political opinion, identity or lists.

It may be mentioned that on July 27, over a hundred teachers of the university submitted a memorandum to the vice-chancellor under the banner of 'Anti-Fascist Teachers', demanding the prohibition of the activities of the Awami League-affiliated teacher organisation 'Neel Dal', along with a list of 231 teachers. Later, the university syndicate formed a committee to review the list. At the same time, a decision was taken to scrutinise the process of all appointments made from 2009 to June 30, 2024. Following this, six professors were relieved of their duties and one was dismissed. The Neel Dal has also termed these decisions "politically vindictive" and demanded their withdrawal.