Bangladesh students detained, expelled over alleged homosexuality

Human rights advocates call the actions ‘blatant violations of the Constitution of Bangladesh’

Illustration from JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France.
A technical university in Bangladesh has expelled four students and turned two others over to police on the basis of alleged homosexuality.
The human rights advocacy group JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) protested the expulsions and detentions.
“When an educational institution attempts to control private life, personal relationships, and sexual identity, it ceases to be a place of education and humanity and instead becomes an instrument of oppression. This must stop immediately”, said Robert Simon, JMBF chief adviser and French LGBTQ+ rights activist.
The incidents occurred on May 16 and May 19 at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) in Dinajpur, JMBF reported:
On May 19, the university administration detained two students from the nearby Mahabalipur area and handed them over to the local police over allegations of homosexuality.
On May 16, the university administration temporarily expelled four students from the Faculty of Fisheries and the Department of Finance and Banking over allegations of homosexuality at the nearby Haven City student residence.
An official order signed by Registrar Professor Dr. Md. Abu Hasan stated that the students’ behavior had tarnished the university’s image and fell under “immoral activities” according to Section 15 of the Ordinance of Students’ Discipline.
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Professor Dr. S. M. Emdadul Hasan, Director of the Student Counseling and Guidance Department, stated that the decision to expel those allegedly involved in homosexuality was implemented in response to other students’ demands. If the allegations are proven through investigation, permanent expulsion will be imposed, he said.
It wasn’t the first time. On Jan. 19, the university administration detained one university student and one university admission candidate from a rented residence in the same area and handed them over to the police.
University Proctor Professor Dr. Nausher One stated: “We have adopted a zero-tolerance policy against this social degradation. Immediate actions have already been taken against the accused upon receiving the allegations.”
JMBF said the actions were blatant violations of the Constitution of Bangladesh, existing laws, human rights, and fundamental civil liberties.