North South University (NSU) issued a statement addressing the circumstances surrounding transgender woman and rights activist Hochemin Islam being unable to deliver her scheduled remarks at the Women's Career Carnival 2023. In a press release issued on 26 November 2023, the university stated that Hochemin Islam’s scheduled discussion had been cancelled due to what it described as “some unexpected incidents.” NSU also stated that, alongside maintaining academic standards, it was committed to ensuring a respectful, safe and supportive environment for all students and participants. The university acknowledged that the situation surrounding the Women's Career Carnival had created a challenge to achieving this objective. Hochemin Islam had earlier been invited to speak at a session of the Women's Career Carnival – Explore Your Future with Us, held at North South University on 24 November. Her scheduled discussion concerned the participation and inclusion of marginalised communities in the workplace. However, a section of students opposed her participation in connection with her transgender identity, and amid the opposition and subsequent circumstances, her scheduled session did not take place. Following public discussion and criticism surrounding the incident, NSU issued its formal statement on 26 November.

In the statement, the university said there were differing public opinions regarding Hochemin Islam’s participation and that it respected these different views. According to NSU, such opinions reflected different beliefs and values within society. At the same time, the university stated that it believed in the power of education to encourage dialogue among different perspectives. The statement also explained the purpose of inviting Hochemin Islam, saying that she had been invited to highlight the achievements and experiences of marginalised communities in the workplace. NSU further acknowledged that Hochemin Islam had been a scheduled speaker at the event, but said her discussion was cancelled because of unexpected incidents. The university described the situation as unfortunate for Hochemin Islam, the event organisers and North South University as the venue. It also acknowledged criticism expressed on social media following the incident and said it was taking the feedback seriously and viewing it as an opportunity for future improvement.

The university also specifically responded to a claim that had circulated following the incident. It had been alleged that Hochemin Islam’s scheduled discussion was cancelled following instructions from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor of North South University. NSU described this claim as misinformation, stating that Vice-Chancellor Professor Atiqul Islam was outside the country at the time of the incident and that the university did not have a Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the time. Through this explanation, the university rejected the claim that the cancellation had been directly ordered by the Vice-Chancellor’s Office.

In its statement, North South University further said that it remained committed to maintaining a safe, supportive and respectful environment for everyone on campus. The university stated that it would work more closely with event organisers and speakers to promote gender equality and an inclusive environment. It also emphasised the importance of maintaining dialogue and mutual respect in an environment where different opinions and social values coexist.