Over 100 faculty members of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) gathered in front of their campus in Bashundhara on Thursday to express solidarity with the students and their right to free speech and peaceful assembly.
Appalled by what has been happening in educational institutions across the country, faculty members strongly condemned the attacks on students and the tragic loss of lives. They also demanded the immediate release of all detained students and an end to indiscriminate arrest, detention and harassment.
Heartbroken by the violence, faculty members also demanded an immediate end to the “mindless brutality.” Having an important role in ensuring academic freedom and the freedom to express dissent are upheld at universities, IUB faculty members renewed their pledge to stand in solidarity with the students by helping them reclaim their university as a safe haven for education where students can voice their opinions and engage in healthy, constructive debates.
Faculty members further demanded those responsible for the gruesome acts be brought to justice. They offered their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and called upon the concerned authorities to reopen the educational institutions immediately.
