Dhaka, August 17, 2025
A group of 162 citizens has condemned Sylhet Metropolitan University’s decision to permanently expel Sahara (Safwan) Chowdhury, a transgender student, and demanded the order be revoked immediately with assurances that she can return to class under proper security.
In a joint statement released today, the signatories said two caricatures were posted on Facebook from the account “Antarctica Chowdhury” on the night of 11 August, depicting Dr. Mohammad Sorowar Hossain of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) and Asif Mahtab Utsha of Manarat International University. Afterward, Sorowar and Utsha claimed the account belonged to Sahara and filed police reports, alleging the caricatures constituted death threats. The statement notes that Sahara also filed a police complaint against Sorowar, Utsha, and others, citing threats and insecurity.
The citizens expressed deep concern over what they described as years of hate campaigns against people of diverse gender identities and called out the abuse of academic authority to spread division. They urged SMU to reverse the expulsion, allow Sahara to resume her studies, and end discriminatory practices against gender-diverse students on campus.
What the Citizens’ Statement Calls For
Immediate revocation of the expulsion and safe reinstatement of Sahara.
Elimination of discrimination against students of diverse identities across the institution.
Constitutional protection for the individual identity of marginalized and gender-minority people.
A gender-sensitive code of conduct in all educational institutions to protect diversity and foster inclusion.
A public apology from Asif Mahtab Utsha and Dr. Mohammad Sorowar Hossain for actions the statement describes as insensitive and socially divisive.
Among the signatories are Prof. Samina Lutfa (University of Dhaka), Prof. Anu Muhammad (former, Jahangirnagar University), Prof. Azfar Hossain (Grand Valley State University, USA), lawyer Manzur Al Matin, journalist Saydia Gulrukh, BRAC University teacher Siuti Sabur, researcher Nasrin Khandaker, and Supreme Court lawyer Abeda Gulrukh.
Rights advocates say the strong public stance by academics, researchers, journalists, and lawyers signals a growing consensus that expulsions under pressure and police complaints over satirical expression threaten academic freedom and the safety of marginalized students—particularly transgender and gender-diverse communities.
Sources
The Business Standard — 162 citizens condemn transgender student’s expulsion from Sylhet University
Ajker Patrika — Coverage of citizens’ statement
