DU administration mulls legal action against remaining pro-Hasina teachers after statement rejecting ICT verdict

Following the International Crimes Tribunal's death sentence to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a crimes against humanity case over the July 2024 uprising, pro-Awami League '1001 teachers' from public universities issued a statement rejecting the verdict on Monday (17 November). Many signatories from Dhaka University (DU) include pro-Awami League 'Nil Dal' affiliated teachers, sparking outrage among students.

Several DU teachers and officials also posted pro-Hasina statuses on Facebook, fuelling student anger. When asked if action will be taken against them, DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed told The Daily Campus that the statement signatories are "allies of fascists". "Trials are ongoing against most of them since 5 August. Many have already been expelled from the university. For the rest, we will review the legal aspects in light of this statement and take action against them," he added.

Sources said trials are underway against several DU teachers listed in the statement, including Prof Dr M Ahiduzzaman, Prof Mashhur Rahman, Prof Dr AKM Jamal Uddin and Prof Dr Jinat Huda – all temporarily suspended from the university.

The list also includes English Department Associate Prof Dr Nilima Akter, identified as an autocracy ally and suspended due to controversial activities.

Meanwhile, Management Information Systems Department Prof Dr KM Salah Uddin posted on Facebook: "Who cares", terming the ICT a "kangaroo court".

Before 5 August 2024, DU Vice-Chancellor's Office Deputy Registrar Lavlu Mollah Shishir – former Masterda Surya Sen Hall unit Chhatra League president during student life – shared Hasina's photo with "I do not care".

The statement, signed by Rajshahi University Public Administration Department Associate Prof Dr Mahbub Alam Pradeep (currently in Australia), claims 1001 signatures from various universities but lists only 630 names.