BRAC University issued a statement on Monday clarifying its stance on the recent incidents involving part-time teacher Asif Mahtab Utsha and a demonstration by some students on the campus.

 The renowned private university in the country stated that like all great institutions of higher education, it believes its role should be to create a space for all views to be discussed and debated constructively, predicated on tolerance and respect.

The university said that it considers any act of vandalism towards national property as unacceptable behaviour and does not tolerate or support such activities. The statement explicitly addressed the recent incident involving the tearing of pages from a textbook published by the Government of Bangladesh, which is included in the national curriculum for 7th-grade students. It described this act as vandalism, a behaviour not supported by BRAC University.

“The recent act of tearing pages of a textbook published by the Government of Bangladesh, included in the national curriculum for students enrolled in 7th grade in schools, and asking others to do the same in a public forum, is an act of vandalism, a behaviour not supported by BRAC University,” the statement reads.

The university went on to state that, as a consequence, it cannot offer a part-time teaching contract to Asif Mahtab Utsha for the Spring 2024 semester. However, BRAC University will compensate him for his time and efforts towards his preparatory work for Spring 2024.

BRAC University emphasised its commitment to respecting and fully complying with the country's constitution and laws on all matters. In response to allegations on social media, the university clarified that it does not promote homosexuality. Nevertheless, it asserted its belief in equal rights and opportunities for every single human being to realise their potential.