London, Nov. 4 -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised concerns over alleged political targeting of academics and students at public universities in Bangladesh over their purported links to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party, warning that dismissals, suspensions and restrictions imposed without due process could violate fundamental human rights.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the international rights organisation said scores of university teachers and students had faced arbitrary disciplinary action over alleged support for Hasina's former government, which was toppled following student-led protests in 2024.

HRW said such measures, if imposed for peaceful political beliefs or without ensuring due process,...