On Tuesday morning (May 27), Bangladesh’s Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, issued an order directing the reinstatement of 988 employees who were previously dismissed from the National University.

These employees had lost their jobs in 2011 following a court directive. Many of them reportedly endured immense suffering—some died without treatment, while others lived in severe hardship. After the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, these former employees renewed their demand for reinstatement, with the National University authorities standing in support. On September 9, the university’s syndicate held a meeting and decided to pursue a review petition concerning their dismissal, which had been carried out under what was described as politically motivated circumstances during the Awami League’s tenure (2008–2024).

According to sources, the employees were originally recruited in 2003 and 2004 following proper procedures under the university’s employment code. However, in 2011, based on allegedly false and misleading information presented by certain officials, the court was misled into declaring their appointments invalid. This led the university syndicate to terminate their employment—an action later criticized as irregular and unethical.

Previously, in 2004, a petition had been filed by former MP Advocate Fazle Rabbi Mia challenging the legality of the appointments, but the High Court dismissed the petition in 2006. Subsequently, another review petition was filed in 2010 by former MP Advocate AKM Mozammel Haque, resulting in the court’s directive to remove the employees.

After years of legal struggle, the Appellate Division has now ordered the reinstatement of all 988 affected individuals.