Gazipur, July 2025
The authorities of Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) in Gazipur, Bangladesh, have expelled five students from university halls following allegations of involvement in homosexuality. Meanwhile, a group of right-wing students protested on campus on Thursday, demanding the trial and permanent expulsion of the accused from the university.
The expulsion was announced in an official notice signed by DUET Director (Student Welfare) Professor Utpal Kumar Das. The notice stated: “This is to inform the students of this university that, in view of students’ applications, allegations of involvement in homosexuality have been received against the mentioned students. In the interest of proper investigation and maintaining a fair learning environment on campus, the accused students have been temporarily expelled from the hall.”
According to the university administration, the allegations were based on a written complaint submitted by other students. Following the complaint, the authorities expelled three students from Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall and two from Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Hall on Tuesday. A four-member investigation committee has been formed to determine if anyone else is involved. The committee has been instructed to submit its report within seven working days.
Meanwhile, a group of right-wing, homophobic students organized a protest on campus demanding justice for the five students. They called for not only the expulsion from the halls but also permanent expulsion from the university. The protestors also demanded the enactment of punitive laws on campus to ban homosexuality.
When asked, Professor Utpal Kumar Das stated that although students are demanding punitive laws against homosexuality on campus, the university authorities cannot enact such laws independently. A separate committee must be formed, and the university authorities will hold a meeting next Sunday to decide on this matter.
It is important to note that homosexuality remains a punishable offense in Bangladesh under Section 377 of the Penal Code, with a penalty of up to ten years’ imprisonment and a fine. Social stigma and hatred also place LGBTIQ+ individuals at extreme risk.
However, state-led punitive measures against homosexuals have rarely been enforced in the past. Since the formation of the government led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus in August 2024, right-wing Islamist groups have become more empowered and visible, openly targeting and threatening the LGBTIQ+ community nationwide. In particular, a number of right-wing student groups have emerged in Bangladeshi universities under the leadership of Islamist leader Asif Adnan (arrested for involvement in militant groups) and Mohammad Sorowar Hossain (a far-right teacher at Independent University Bangladesh and key leader of the anti-LGBT movement). These groups have created severe risks for LGBTIQ+ students, with some teachers and university administrators joining in this persecution. As a result, LGBTIQ+ students in universities now face unprecedented threats to their safety and well-being.
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