University Teachers' Network, Bangladesh
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The University Teachers' Network of Bangladesh (UTN) is a coalition of Bangladeshi academics established in March 2014.[1] It includes educators from public and private universities in Bangladesh as well as those based abroad.
The University Teachers' Network of Bangladesh | |
বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় শিক্ষক নেটওয়ার্ক | |
| Founded | March 2014 |
|---|---|
| Location | |
History
The UTN emerged in 2014 amid protests at Rajshahi University over the commercialization of evening courses. Initially focused on academic freedom and higher education policy, the network evolved into a significant actor in civic and constitutional reform.[1] UTN used digital platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp to coordinate, circulate reform proposals, and organize actions such as lectures, human chains, and protests.[1]
Role in 2024 Uprising
During the 2024 mass uprising in Bangladesh, UTN played a prominent role. It organized the "Anti-Repression Teachers' Rally" on 29 July 2024 at Dhaka University, demanding the release of detained students and recognition of the killings as a "massacre".[2]
On 4 August 2024, UTN announced a five-point proposal for forming an inclusive interim government, comprising teachers, judges, civil society representatives, and student-nominated members.[3][4][5]
On 10 August 2024, it followed up with an 11-point charter for democratic transformation, advocating free media, minority rights, cyber freedom, and electoral reforms.[6]
Later Activities
On 6 August 2024, the UTN denounced government inaction in protecting minorities and called for military neutrality.[7]
In September 2024, UTN defended textbook authors against "hate tag" campaigns and rejected attempts to politicize educational content.[8]
In January 2025, UTN demanded the reopening of Dhaka University’s full campus, advocated for participatory governance, and pushed for timely student elections.[9]
On 3 August 2025, the Network held a seminar titled "What Kind of Universities Do We Have in Post-Uprising Bangladesh?", where speakers warned that authoritarianism and bureaucratic dominance persist in higher education.[10]
On 6 August 2025, UTN condemned an exhibition by Islami Chhatra Shibir at Dhaka University glorifying war criminals, calling it a desecration of the university’s historical role in the liberation war.[11]