Harassed DU student faces rape, death threats

The Dhaka University (DU) student, who was harassed over her attire by Central Library assistant binder Mostafa Asif Arnab, is now receiving rape and death threats after the country’s judicial system and police leaked her sensitive personal information.

In a Facebook post, the victim expressed outrage and frustration, revealing that after the confidential details of her case were made public by the police, she started receiving numerous threats.

She wrote, "My sensitive information has been made public by the police. When I confronted them, they said that copies of case statements (FIR) can be made public. But why do they include so much personal information in these documents? If necessary, they should keep them elsewhere. And why didn’t they inform me about this from the beginning? If I had known, I wouldn’t have filed the case. I have received countless rape and death threats from unknown numbers."

"Why? Because I protested? You are worse than fascist Hasina. You are turning this country into hell," she added.

On March 5, Assistant Binder Mostafa Asif Arnab harassed the DU student in public on campus by making vulgar remarks about her attire. With the help of fellow students, he was identified and taken to the proctor’s office, where he confessed to his actions. Later, he was handed over to Shahbagh police station. However, a mob formed in his support, and he was released on bail. Due to continuous threats, the victim was ultimately forced to withdraw her case.

In response, DU authorities temporarily suspended the accused employee, but no strict disciplinary action was taken.

The DU student questioned the country’s justice system, writing in her post:

"To the interim government: When will you reform the judicial system? If you can’t, step down. A group of people can just create a mob in favor of an admitted offender, and the police will set him free? Bravo, police, bravo! This proves that in this country, criminals can harass women and walk around with their chests puffed out. Even if the victim takes action, she will be the one to suffer."

She also mentioned her involvement in the July mass movement, saying:

"I wasn’t a frontline protester, but attending protests regularly was my routine."

"Do you know why I joined the protests? Not because I was preparing for BCS, but because I believed in the cause."

She criticized the so-called "Tawhidi Janata" (Islamic hardliners), expressing disappointment at their double standards:

"Those who call themselves Tawhidi Janata—after August 5, when they could openly wear religious attire again, I was happy for them. I thought, ‘At least they have regained their personal freedom after 16 years of oppression.’"

"But look at you now! When I wear my own traditional clothes and walk on the street, you stare at my body and measure my size!"

Expressing hopelessness about the country's future, she wrote "Our protests were a mistake. So many people died for nothing. Can you repay their blood debt?"

"I once thought I would stay in this country. I dreamed of studying abroad and returning one day to contribute to my nation. But believe me, now my only goal is to leave this country as soon as possible."