DU Correspondent

Tensions escalated at the University of Dhaka and beyond following the arrest of Professor Dr. A K M Jamal Uddin, a prominent faculty member of the Sociology Department, during the inauguration of the "Bangabandhu Peace March 2026."

The march, scheduled to run from March 11–16, was initiated by Dr. Jamal to promote national harmony.

However, according to eyewitnesses and family members, the event was cut short almost immediately after it began at 7:00 AM on March 11.

Dr. Jamal, accompanied by approximately 50 participants, had just commenced the march when police intervened.

He was detained and taken to Paltan Police Station, where a case was subsequently filed against him under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Following the initial processing, the professor was transferred to the Keraniganj Central Jail.

The legal battle for his release has met significant hurdles.

His demand for bail was rejected first by the Magistrate Court and subsequently by the Judge Court," a source close to the family stated, noting that the professor remains in custody despite the peaceful nature of the event.

The arrest has triggered a wave of condemnation from the academic community.

Colleagues from the University of Dhaka and various other educational institutions have voiced their outrage, labeling the move a blatant suppression of democratic rights.

In a collective statement, faculty members described the arrest as
"A clear violation of human rights, freedom of speech, and political liberty. To arrest an academic during a peace march under anti-terrorism laws sets a dangerous precedent for the country’s intellectual and political landscape."

Message from Prison
Despite being behind bars, Dr. Jamal has managed to send a plea to his supporters and the international community. Through representatives, he urged the public to remain informed about the updates of the Peace March and called for civil society to look into the "motivated" nature of the charges against him.

As of Sunday evening, the University of Dhaka administration has not issued statement, while student groups are reportedly planning protests demanding immediate and unconditional release of him.