At Nordic Right, we are committed to advocating for and upholding human rights across the Nordic Region and beyond. Our mission revolves around fostering inclusivity, diversity, and freedom of expression. Recent events at North South University (NSU) in Bangladesh have compelled us to address a concerning breach of these principles.
In a shocking turn of events, Ho Chi Minh Islam, a prominent transgender rights activist, was compelled to withdraw from a panel discussion at the Women’s Career Carnival 2023 hosted at NSU. This unfortunate incident highlights a regressive trend that contradicts the essence of higher education institutions as spaces for diverse dialogues and open-mindedness.
The controversy began when a group of NSU students, associated with the “NSU Islam Practitioners” Facebook group, protested against Ho Chi Minh Islam’s participation in the event. The protesters, numbering around 1.7k members, objected to her presence, citing concerns about the promotion of LGBTQ+ content on campus.
The organizers of the Women’s Career Carnival aimed to bridge the gender gap in employment, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 5 – achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Ho Chi Minh Islam, as a distinguished transgender nurse, was invited to share her professional insights. However, the intolerance displayed by a segment of NSU students forced the cancellation of her session.
The situation escalated when the protesting students emailed Professor Atiqul Islam, the Vice-Chancellor of NSU, expressing their objections and invoking Bangladesh’s Penal Code Chapter 16 Article 377, which deals with sexual offenses. This move was a clear attempt to stifle free speech and suppress a discussion on gender rights.
In response to these threats and objections, Ho Chi Minh Islam, the event’s organizers, and Dr. Rehnuma Karim, founder and president of Heroes for All (HFA), decided to prioritize safety over discourse. The interference by NSU authorities in favor of the protesting students raises questions about the university’s commitment to freedom of speech and inclusivity.
Jubdatul Jabed, a legal professional and program manager at iProbono, emphasized that the session did not involve criminal activity, as falsely claimed by the protesting students. He highlighted that NSU’s decision to cancel Ho Chi Minh Islam’s session amounted to a violation of freedom of speech and a human rights infringement.
Furthermore, the PR office of NSU’s claim that the Vice-Chancellor was out of the country during the events raises concerns about the university’s transparency and accountability. The lack of response from NSU officials, including Professor Atiqul Islam and Khasro Miah, the director of the Career and Placement Center, adds to the ambiguity surrounding the university’s role in suppressing this vital discussion.
Nordic Rights condemns the intolerance displayed by a section of NSU students and urges the university to uphold the principles of free speech, inclusivity, and respect for human rights. We call on NSU to investigate this incident thoroughly, hold accountable those responsible for stifling diversity of thought, and reaffirm its commitment to fostering an environment where all voices are heard.
