Statement sent from Australia with '1001 teachers' names, many added without consent

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. However, the declaration, signed by Dr Mahbub Alam Pradeep – currently in Australia – lists only 630 names, with no actual signatures, and many teachers claim their names were added without permission.

Sources said the statement, circulated on social media, claims endorsement from 1001 teachers across various universities but includes just 630 names. Several teachers, speaking to The Daily Campus, denied involvement and said their inclusion aims to embarrass them amid the current political climate. Many are posting clarifications on Facebook.

Since the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024, pro-Awami League teachers or groups had not issued public statements until 16 September this year, when 381 teachers demanded unconditional release of arrested Awami League teachers, withdrawal of 'false' cases, revocation of job terminations/suspensions and cancellation of all academic-administrative punishments.

Three more statements followed, all signed by Dr Pradeep: one on 13 October by 471 progressive teachers protesting 'humiliating attacks' on educators; another on 28 October by 481 teachers against 'mob terror' destroying education; and today's rejecting the 'fabricated' verdict against Hasina, listing 630 names.

The number of signatories has risen each time, from 381 to 630. Efforts to contact Dr Pradeep went unanswered. Rajshahi University Public Administration Department Chairman Prof Morzina Begum told The Daily Campus that Pradeep has been on lien leave in Australia for a long time.

She said Pradeep left abroad on lien before 5 August 2024, briefly visited Thailand during the education holiday, then returned and took lien again to Australia for four years. Under university rules, during the holiday, salary continues, so upon return, one must serve at least as long as the leave period or refund the money. Pradeep took lien before completing equivalent service.

Prof Begum added that though procedures were followed, some dues remain pending. Pradeep refunded part and committed to paying the rest in instalments before leaving. However, three months ago, the university wrote demanding full refund and immediate rejoining, which he has not done.

The Daily Campus contacted several teachers listed in today's statement. Chittagong University Bangla Department Prof Dr Mahibul Aziz said, "My son was ill; I was at Chittagong Government City College exam hall all morning. I knew nothing about the verdict or statement. Learnt via a call after returning home that my name is in it. I clarified on Facebook."

In his post, Prof Aziz wrote: "I have not given opinion on anything to anyone. If someone did, it was without my consent. I protest this conspiratorial activity."

From the same department, Prof Dr Md Sheikh Sadi told The Daily Campus, "I was at the new Arts Building for MA exams all morning. Network was slow. Learnt after coming out via a call. I'm shocked and angry. No discussion or consent was sought; my name used without knowledge."

Prof Dr Anwar Saeed posted on Facebook: "Shocked, angry and disappointed. After exam and chairman duties all day, surprised to see my name in such a statement."

Chittagong University History Department Prof Dr Mohammad Anowerul Islam and preacher Golam Kuddus Lavlu issued a joint statement: "With deep regret, we inform that our names were conspiratorially used in a teachers' statement on the ICT verdict today. We had no knowledge, signed nothing or discussed with anyone."

They added: "This disappoints us. We have no connection to past dirty, polluted politics."

Prof Dr Farid Uddin Ahmed said, "Shocked to see my name. Busy with academic work all day. Don't know who did it, but suspect some abroad trying to study, doing this."

Jahangirnagar University Physics Department Prof Dr Farid Ahmed posted on Facebook: "A recent statement rejecting a verdict claims 1,000 professors signed, including some from JU. Clearly state my name used without consent or prior notice. This is completely unauthorised; I consider such efforts unacceptable."

From the same university's Public Health and Informatics Department, Prof Tajuddin Shikdar wrote: "No one discussed this statement or its content with me, nor took permission. I signed no document."

Barishal University's three pro-Awami League teachers listed denied knowledge. Rajshahi University Biochemistry Department Dr Habib ur Rahman said, "Don't know who did it; not involved." Marketing Department Umar Faruk called it "like a flying letter; agreed but didn't know." Chemistry Department Laila Anjuman Bano said students informed her; shocked, as it's not proper procedure – if she agreed, she'd announce formally. Fine Arts Faculty Dr Sujan Sen said, "Didn't know; shocked to hear suddenly; not involved."

Dhaka University Prof Ainul Haque posted on Facebook: "Names might match! Misunderstandings possible! No involvement in any statement on the historic crimes against humanity verdict!"

The list includes expelled teachers like DU's Prof Dr M Ahiduzzaman (No.1), Prof Dr Jinat Huda (No.5), Prof Mashhur Rahman, Prof Dr AKM Jamal Uddin and Dr Nilima Akter, suggesting an attempt to revive old networks from exile.