Dr Nadim Mahmud Questions if Kalimullah’s Arrest is a ‘Silencing Tactic’

Dr Nadim Mahmud, a writer and researcher, has alleged that the arrest of Professor Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah serves more as a tactic to silence dissent than a genuine anti-corruption measure. Speaking on Thursday (7 August), he pointed out that although several vice-chancellors have faced serious allegations of malpractice and corruption during Sheikh Hasina’s government, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has rarely taken effective action against them.

Dr Mahmud stated, “Like Professor Kalimullah, numerous former vice-chancellors of Rajshahi University, Jahangirnagar University, Khulna University, and others face major corruption allegations. Despite the need for ACC investigations, we have not witnessed such efforts.”

He further noted the swift arrest of Professor Kalimullah, who was detained within just one and a half months of the case’s filing. This rapid action raises the question: is this a government strategy to muzzle its critics?

According to Dr Mahmud, Kalimullah is accused of spending 1,115 days in Dhaka out of a total 1,352 days during his tenure as vice-chancellor. Despite these and other accusations, no legal steps were taken for a long period before his sudden arrest, which appears questionable.

Dr Mahmud added, “Since 5 August last year, Kalimullah has been vocally critical of the government on YouTube and television channels. While his statements sometimes contained inaccuracies or rumours, he became a staunch critic of Professor Yunus and the government’s corruption.”

He explained that Kalimullah was once close to the Awami League and was even proposed as a Chief Election Commissioner candidate. However, he failed to gain popularity among Awami League supporters, and his criticism primarily targeted pro-Awami League figures.

This situation prompts the question, according to Dr Mahmud: Is the government using the ACC’s case as a tool to silence Kalimullah’s voice?

He concluded, “Let corruption be investigated and justice served. But if people are arrested for criticising the government under the pretext of suppressing ‘rumours,’ it constitutes a direct attack on freedom of speech and a step towards fascism.”