Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) in Dinajpur, Bangladesh, carried out two separate disciplinary actions in May 2026 involving allegations of homosexuality.
On May 16, the university temporarily expelled four students from the Faculty of Fisheries and the Department of Finance and Banking. The case originated from reports linked to the nearby Haven City student residence.
On May 19, university administrators detained two students from the Mahabalipur area and transferred them to local police.
The university's proctor stated that the institution maintains a zero-tolerance position on such matters and acted immediately upon receiving the allegations. The head of the Student Counseling and Guidance Department said the expulsions were carried out in response to demands from other students, and that permanent expulsion would follow if allegations were confirmed through investigation.
Official documentation issued by the registrar cited Section 15 of the Students' Discipline Ordinance, describing the conduct as damaging to the university's reputation and constituting "immoral activities."
A similar incident had occurred on January 19, when one enrolled student and one admission candidate were detained at an off-campus rented residence in the same area and handed over to police.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) issued a statement characterizing the university's actions as violations of the Constitution of Bangladesh and fundamental civil liberties.
Asian Editorial Department: Lu Junxiu