The University Teachers Association of Bangladesh has strongly condemned the recent threat issued to Jahangirnagar University assistant professor Nahreen Islam Khan, describing it as an act against democratic values and intellectual freedom.
The association said that the threats appeared to have been triggered by Nahreen’s criticism of a political party’s current stance and its historical role against the independence of Bangladesh at talk shows and media discussions she attended.
In a statement signed by UTAB president Professor ABM Obaidul Islam and general secretary Professor Morshed Hasan Khan on Thursday, the association expressed deep concern over what it called a growing culture of intimidation against teachers for their opinions.
‘We have been informed about several indecent, aggressive and threatening emails sent to Professor Nahreen Islam Khan,’ the statement said.
‘Offensive and defamatory comments targeting her on social media are not only vulgar and condemnable but also an attack on the dignity of the teaching community and the freedom of intellectual discourse at universities,’ according to the statement.
‘Threatening a teacher or obstructing their professional duties is not merely a personal attack—it is a direct blow to the education system and the environment of higher learning,’ the statement added.
‘Teachers are the conscience of society; their insecurity endangers free thinking and academic freedom in a democratic nation.’
Calling the act ‘anti-democratic and terroristic’, the university teachers body urged the authorities to identify and bring those responsible to justice swiftly, ensuring full protection for Nahreen and other members of the university community.
‘The dignity of the teaching profession and the safety of educators are moral obligations of the state,’ the UTAB said, adding that the incident highlighted ongoing security concerns in higher education institutions.
The association also called on the Jahangirnagar University authorities to take immediate steps to guarantee a safe campus free from fear for teachers, students and staff, stressing that freedom of expression must be safeguarded at all academic spaces.