The Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) in Dinajpur, Bangladeshhas found itself at the center of a heated controversy after expelling four students and handing two others over to the police on allegations of homosexuality. This move has been met with strong condemnation from JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), which has labeled the university’s actions as oppressive and a violation of human rights.
The incidents in question occurred on 16 May and 19 May 2026with the university administration taking drastic measures against students allegedly involved in same-sex relationships. According to JMBF, two students from the Mahabalipur area were detained and handed over to local police, while four others were temporarily expelled for their supposed immoral behavior at a nearby student residence.
The University’s Stance and Official Statements
In an official order signed by Registrar Professor Dr. Md. Abu Hasanthe university claimed that the students’ actions had tarnished the university’s image and were classified as immoral activities under Section 15 of the Ordinance of Students’ Discipline. The university’s Proctor, Professor Dr. Nausher Onedefended the expulsions, stating, “We have adopted a zero-tolerance policy against this social degradation. Immediate actions have already been taken against the accused upon receiving the allegations.”
Professor Dr. S. M. Emdadul Hasandirector of the Student Counseling and Guidance Department, added that the expulsions were implemented in response to other students’ demands and that permanent expulsion would be imposed if allegations were proven through investigation.
International Outrage and Human Rights Concerns
JMBF’s chief adviser, Robert Simoncondemned the university’s actions, stating, “When an educational institution attempts to control private life, personal relationships, and sexual identity, it ceases to be a place of education and humanity and instead becomes an instrument of oppression. This must stop immediately.” JMBF argued that the actions were violations of the Constitution of Bangladeshexisting laws, human rights, and fundamental civil liberties.
Bangladesh is a socially conservative country where LGBTQ+ people face significant stigma and safety risks. Same-sex sexual activity has historically been criminalized under colonial-era legal provisions, contributing to fear of reporting and vulnerability to harassment. However, the country is also home to the Hijra community—trans people who don’t identify as male or female—who have been officially recognized as a third gender since 2013. In 2018Hijras were allowed to use the third gender option when registering to vote, and in 2026Nazrul Islam Ritu made history by becoming the first trans mayor to be elected in the country.
A Pattern of Human Rights Violations
This is not the first time the university has taken such actions. JMBF pointed to a previous incident on 19 when the university administration detained one university student and one university admission candidate from a rented residence in the same area and handed them over to the police.
The controversy highlights the urgent need for change in how educational institutions address issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. As the world watches, the call for justice and equality grows louder, urging institutions like HSTU to reflect on their role in society and recognize that education should be a haven for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation.
