28 November 2023
The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh sought a formal explanation from North South University (NSU) after transgender woman and rights activist Hochemin Islam was unable to speak at the Women’s Career Carnival 2023 held at the university. On 26 November 2023, the commission sent a letter to the university asking why Hochemin Islam, despite being an invited speaker, was not allowed to participate in the event and what measures the university had taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. NSU was instructed to submit a written response within three working days. Details of the commission’s intervention were reported by Bangladeshi media on 28 November.
Hochemin Islam had previously been invited to participate in a session at the Women’s Career Carnival – Explore Your Future with Us at North South University on 24 November. The event was organised by Heroes for All and iSocial, and her scheduled discussion concerned employment opportunities for marginalised communities and inclusive workplaces. However, a section of university students began opposing her participation because of her transgender identity. Following threats and resulting security concerns, her scheduled session was ultimately cancelled. The incident subsequently drew attention on social media and in the news media, after which the University Grants Commission formally sought an explanation from the university.
The letter sent on 26 November was signed by UGC Director Md Omar Faruque. In the letter, the commission specifically addressed the responsibility of universities to maintain an environment for free thought, intellectual engagement and expression. The UGC stated that universities are places for the cultivation of free thought and intellectual freedom and that such practices are integral to the fundamental character of a university. According to reports on the letter, the commission described the incident at North South University as contrary to the Private University Act 2010, the development of free thought, the spirit of the Liberation War, the Constitution of Bangladesh and the fundamental concept of a university.
The commission asked North South University to provide specific explanations on two issues. First, it sought to know why Hochemin Islam had not been allowed to participate in the Women’s Career Carnival – Explore Your Future with Us. Second, it asked what measures the university had taken to ensure that similar incidents or practices would not be repeated in the future. The university was instructed to provide its written response to these questions within three working days. The request therefore required NSU not only to explain what had happened but also to outline measures taken to prevent a recurrence.
Speaking to Ajker Patrika on 28 November, UGC member Professor Dr Biswajit Chanda described the incident as unfortunate. He said that after the matter involving Hochemin Islam came to the commission’s attention, the UGC sought an explanation from North South University. His statement confirmed that the commission had formally taken up the matter and was awaiting a response from the university.
References
Prothom Alo — “হোচিমিনের ঘটনায় নর্থ সাউথ বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের কাছে ব্যাখ্যা চেয়েছে ইউজিসি,” 28 November 2023.
Reports the University Grants Commission’s formal letter to North South University, including its request for an explanation for Hochemin Islam’s exclusion, measures to prevent a recurrence and the three-working-day deadline for the university’s response.
Read the Prothom Alo report
Ajker Patrika — “হো চি মিনের ঘটনায় ব্যাখ্যা চেয়েছে ইউজিসি,” 28 November 2023.
Reports UGC member Professor Dr Biswajit Chanda’s comments and details from the commission’s 26 November letter, including its position on free thought, constitutional values and the responsibilities of universities.
