Dhaka, 9 August 2025
In a move that has drawn sharp criticism from human rights defenders, 244 university and medical college teachers in Bangladesh have issued a joint statement opposing the establishment of a United Nations Human Rights Office in the country. The statement, made public this week, reflects a growing wave of anti-LGBTQ+, anti-feminist, and anti-human rights sentiment among sections of academia.
Bangladesh has long been criticized for its record on human rights violations, with minority communities facing persistent discrimination and violence. The Hindu religious minority has been subject to repeated communal attacks, indigenous peoples have been campaigning for recognition and rights for decades, and members of the LGBTIQ+ community live under constant fear of harassment, hate speech, and physical violence.
Human rights advocates view the establishment of a UN Human Rights Office in Bangladesh as an important step toward monitoring violations and protecting vulnerable groups. However, the statement issued by the 244 academics frames the proposed office as a threat, alleging that it would create the conditions for legalizing LGBTQ+ rights, introducing a uniform family code, and allowing abortion.
Breakdown of Signatories
Among the 244 signatories are:
50 Professors
41 Associate Professors
78 Assistant Professors
75 Lecturers
The universities and institutions represented include:
Dhaka University – 30 teachers
Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) – 20 teachers
Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX) – 18 teachers
Chittagong University – 10 teachers
Manarat International University – 9 teachers
Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) – 6 teachers
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) – 4 teachers
Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) – 4 teachers
Various Medical Colleges – 41 teachers
Additional signatories from other universities and institutions across the country
A detailed list of all 244 signatories has been published on the website: mullobodh.com.
Notable Names Among the Signatories
Prof. Muhammad Omar Farooq – Dhaka University
Md. Abdus Sabur – Assistant Professor, Dhaka University
Dr. Mohammad Sarwar Hossain – Associate Professor, Independent University Bangladesh
Mohammad Mozammel Haque – Associate Professor, Chittagong University
Asif Mahtab Utsha – Lecturer, Manarat International University
Prof. Shamima Tasneem – Shahjalal University of Science and Technology
Dr. Md. Arif Morshed Khan – Associate Professor, Comilla Medical College
Dr. Miliva Mozaffar – Assistant Professor, Medical College for Women and Hospital
Prof. Md. Masud Karim – Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)
Dr. Md. Lamiur Raihan – Assistant Professor, Bangladesh Agricultural University
LGBTQ+ Rights Concerns
Human rights defenders and LGBTQ+ activists have expressed alarm that sections of Bangladesh’s academic community are aligning with right-wing extremist narratives that openly oppose fundamental rights. While teachers in many countries are at the forefront of progressive human rights advocacy, critics say this development in Bangladesh reflects a troubling reversal, especially in the post-Awami League political climate where right-wing groups have gained increased influence in universities.
Activists warn that such public opposition to the UN Human Rights Office could embolden anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, normalize discrimination, and undermine future human rights reforms in Bangladesh.
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