CU students asked ‘not to write’ on social media

The political science department of the University of Chittagong has instructed its students to refrain from making any kind of comment about their department on social media platforms.

This notice from an academic department, against the freedom of expression of university students, has sparked an outcry on social media.

A notice signed by Prof Anwara Begum, chairman of the department, issued on 9 June, informed all students of the department that they may not post any comments about their department on social media as this may tarnish the image of the department.

Kazi Mohammad Kamal Uddin, a former student of the department, said a university is an institution for creativity and expression of free speech. So, it is this notice to prevent students from expressing their views that has tarnished the image of the department.

Professor Anwara Begum told The Business Standard (TBS) that students often make comments about the department without knowing much, or giving way to emotion. Hence this notice was given to students, not to issue any ban on students.

CU acting registrar, Prof SM Monirul Hasan, told TBS that in a place like a university, it is unfair to issue such a notice to students, because students have the right to comment about their department or even the university.

However, it is necessary to know in what context this notification was issued, he added.