Truncation of Academic Freedom in Today’s Bangladesh
Can universities sustain democracy when disagreement becomes dangerous?
In “Truncation of Academic Freedom in Today’s Bangladesh”, Dr. Siegfried O. Wolf argues that the post-2024 political transition has failed to secure independent campus governance. He describes forced resignations, political labelling and competing student organisations asserting control over academic life. He also warns of growing Islamist influence and shrinking space for secular perspectives.
His central warning deserves attention: changing who holds power does not automatically protect the freedom to teach, research or question authority.
For European thinkers, policymakers and university communities: how should Europe engage with Bangladesh’s universities to support academic freedom, while listening to local experiences and protecting due process?
At SADF, understanding South Asia means taking these debates seriously on their own terms—and connecting them to our shared democratic challenges.
Understanding South Asia. Connecting Europe.
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