Gazipur, July 2025
Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology (DUET) authorities have expelled two additional students from their residential halls on allegations of homosexuality, deepening concerns about the rising trend of punitive measures against LGBTQ+ students in Bangladesh’s educational institutions.
Earlier this month, five students had already been expelled from DUET halls on similar charges, sparking significant attention and alarm from human rights defenders and the LGBTQ+ community. Read the previous report.
According to a recent report by bdnews24.com, the latest disciplinary actions came after university authorities received fresh complaints accusing two more students of homosexuality. As in previous cases, the decision was based on written complaints submitted by other students, and the accused were instructed to immediately leave their respective residential halls.
Then, on July 24, one student from KNI Hall and another from Bijoy 24 Hall were given notices and temporarily expelled from the hall on the same charges.
This brings the total number of DUET students expelled for alleged homosexuality to seven within just a few weeks. The university administration claims that these actions are intended to “maintain discipline and a healthy academic environment.” However, LGBTQ+ rights advocates have condemned the expulsions, stating that they perpetuate discrimination, reinforce social stigma, and put students at greater risk of harm and isolation.
Activists emphasize that these punitive actions are happening in a context where homosexuality remains criminalized under Section 377 of Bangladesh’s Penal Code, leaving LGBTQ+ students with little protection against hostility or abuse. The wave of expulsions at DUET underscores the urgent need for dialogue and institutional safeguards to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of all students—regardless of sexual orientation.
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