A group of students from Dhaka University, under the banner of Agitated Students of Dhaka University, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding the cancellation of the government’s approval for a United Nations Human Rights Office in Dhaka.
At a press conference held in front of the university's central library at 4pm, Md. Ziaul Haque from the Social Welfare and Research Institute (sessions 2012–13) read a written statement expressing strong opposition to the establishment of the office.
In the statement, Ziaul Haque alleged that during the previous authoritarian period, certain NGOs had introduced narratives such as the stories of Sharif and Sharifa into school syllabus, which, according to him, attempted to normalise transgender identities and homosexuality among children.
He mentioned that the UN Human Rights Office explicitly advocates for the recognition and promotion of LGBTQ/homosexual rights. If this office is allowed to operate in Bangladesh, we fear that the story of Sharif-Sharifa won’t remain confined to schools but will expand to all public and private universities across the country. These institutions will be turned into what we can only call ‘gay universities’.”
He further claimed that LGBTQ-related content would be made mandatory in the syllabus of schools, colleges, madrasas, and universities, including Dhaka University itself. This, he warned, would lead to a distortion of students’ thoughts and values, encourage gender transitions, and ultimately destroy traditional family structures and moral foundations.
Ziaul Haque also voiced concerns that the office's continued presence would pave the way for the introduction of transgender or gay quotas in education and job sectors.
“Even a quota for ‘gay imams’ in the mosques of educational institutions might be introduced,” he warned.
He went on to argue that the UN Human Rights Office poses a direct threat to Bangladesh’s sovereignty, values, and internal security.
He said that it could destabilise sensitive areas such as the Chittagong Hill Tracts by supporting separatist movements, either directly or indirectly.
“Their activities will destroy our values. By legitimizing what we consider heinous perversions and crimes like homosexuality, they will erode students’ faith and belief. This will also lead to increased oppression and trafficking of women, all in the name of legalizing prostitution.”
“This will tarnish the country’s image, deteriorate law and order, and erode religious freedoms. Ultimately, it will create ideological conflict between the people and the authorities—leading to a potential civil war-like situation.”
Ziaul Haque also claimed that the UN Human Rights Commission would oppose the capital punishment of rapists and murderers, especially those involved in the July massacre which he said was part of the UN’s hidden agenda.
“To protect the country’s sovereignty, core values, and to prevent civil unrest, the government must revoke the approval of the UN Human Rights Office in Dhaka,” he demanded.
He said that they had made repeated appeals to the government, which were ignored.
“We are now giving the interim government a 24-hour ultimatum. If the government does not cancel the UN Human Rights Office within that time, we—the aggrieved students of Dhaka University—will be forced to launch a continuous and strict movement along with students from all educational institutions across the country.”
Rakibul Islam, member secretary of the Dhaka University unit of the Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, was also present at the conference.