Australian University to Review Hasina’s Honorary Doctorate

The Australian National University (ANU), one of the country's most prestigious higher education institutions, is reviewing an honorary doctorate awarded to Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 1999.

Hasina, who served multiple terms as the head of government, received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from ANU during a state visit to Australia. At the time, the university cited her contributions to public service and efforts to promote democracy in Bangladesh. However, ANU has now confirmed that the degree is under formal review, The Canberra Times reported on Monday.

A spokesperson for the university told the media that the honorary awards committee is currently reassessing the matter in the context of a wider institutional review of its policies on the revocation of honorary degrees.

“The revocation of such a degree has not occurred in the university’s recent history, and no established procedural precedent exists,” the spokesperson said. “The university is in the process of developing a more comprehensive revocation policy before any decision is made on individual cases.”

While the university did not name specific reasons behind the reassessment, the review comes amid growing international scrutiny of Hasina’s leadership, particularly over allegations of democratic backsliding, human rights violations, and the suppression of political opposition in Bangladesh during her tenure.

If ANU ultimately decides to revoke the honorary degree, it would mark a significant and unprecedented move for the university.

The move has sparked debate in academic and diplomatic circles. Some argue that honorary degrees should reflect enduring values and ethical standards, while others caution that retrospective reassessments risk politicising academic honours.

Human rights advocates and critics of the former prime minister have welcomed the review, suggesting it reflects accountability in global academic institutions. Others, including members of Bangladesh’s ruling party and its supporters, have dismissed the move as politically motivated.

Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has been a central figure in the country's politics for decades. Her tenure as Prime Minister has been marked by economic development and infrastructure expansion but also by increasing concerns over press freedom, judicial independence, and electoral integrity.

The ANU review process is ongoing, and no timeline has been provided for a final decision.