Investigation into the role of university authorities is also crucial

University is the place of the most pioneer people in a society. In the history, tradition, struggle for independence, and democratic movements of Bangladesh, universities have been esteemed chapters of pride. However, when universities are discussed in events like rape, it becomes very distressing.

In the past few days Jahangirnagar University, one of the top educational institutions in the country, has faced harsh criticism following an incident of rape. It has been reported that several students of the university brought some extremists into the campus, detained the husband and subjected the wife to a horrifying ordeal resembling rape. As a result, there are serious questions once again about the educational environment and the role of the administration in universities.

The incident of rape at Jahangirnagar University is not the first of its kind. In 1998, a horrific incident of serial rape occurred on this campus. At that time, the conscious students of the campus organized a strong movement. In the face of the movement, a truth verification committee was formed to investigate the allegations of rape. The committee provided evidence against the accused in the rape case and punitive measures were taken against 13 individuals by the syndicate. At that time, various allegations of protecting the perpetrators were raised against the university administration as well.

We all know that universities are managed through a system where teachers lead the administration. The administration, centered around the Vice-Chancellor, followed by the Provosts and Proctors, oversees discipline-related activities at the university. Therefore, when serious allegations regarding discipline arise on campus, the teacher-led administration cannot escape its responsibility in any way. There is no instance of any criminal activity occurring on any university campus without the involvement or tacit support of the university administration and the student organization affiliated with the powerful political party.

Jahangirnagar University campus has been accused of becoming a terrorist sanctuary for several years. In particular, the appointment of a university proctor who committed terrorist acts while a student, leaked question papers after becoming a teacher and was arrested by the law enforcement agencies on these charges has raised serious concerns in the conscious community. The appointment of this individual as a university proctor raises even more serious questions regarding the sense of responsibility of the authorities who appointed him.

The current vice-chancellor has also been accused of not taking action against an assistant professor who was accused of sexual harassment. Due to such incidents of misconduct within the university administration, the law and order situation of the university has deteriorated significantly day by day. According to information published in the media, recent incidents of unrestricted movement and harassment of outsiders on the campus have been the most frequent allegations. However, the authorities have not taken any action. As a result, the university has experienced a severe deterioration in the law and order situation. The incident of harassment that occurred this time is of the same nature as incidents that have happened before. Therefore, such incidents become part of the recurring pattern of events. This is a cause for concern.

The description of the perpetrators' actions suggests that they are accustomed to such incidents, that is why, they were not afraid. Now, as the victim has come forward with allegations against the assailants and her husband, the incident has come to light. Therefore, it is imperative that the roles of the university's proctor and vice-chancellor be properly investigated.

It is clear that as long as teacher politics is tainted and student body politics dominated by powerful parties, campus terrorism will not be free. That is why it is important to appoint a truly qualified person who is very conscious in appointing a vice chancellor in the campus. At the same time, it is important to ensure transparency in the recruitment of teachers.

The swift arrest of the accused perpetrators of harassment is indicative. The current government's commitment to prosecuting harassers is evident. Implementing the harshest punishment under prevailing laws for perpetrators and promptly revoking their student status is imperative. If the students of Jahangirnagar University come together to organize a united resistance movement against any attempts to shield harassers, it will undoubtedly serve as a significant example before the nation.