JnU rape attempt: Students demand proctorial body resignation

Students of Jahangirnagar University (JnU) staged protests demanding the resignation of the university’s proctorial body following an alleged attempted rape incident involving a female student.

On Thursday night (May 14), agitated students wrote slogans including “failed proctor office” and “incompetent” on the gates and walls of the Proctor’s Office located at the old Registrar Building, expressing strong anger over what they described as administrative failure in ensuring campus safety.

Students alleged that repeated incidents of harassment, violence, and insecurity have occurred on campus in recent times, but the administration has failed to take effective action. The latest alleged attempted rape incident further intensified their demands for accountability from the proctorial body.

Sajib Ahmed Janis, a student of the 51st batch from the Department of Philosophy, said the current proctorial office has failed to ensure justice despite multiple complaints of harassment since the current administration took charge.

Similarly, Lamisha Zaman, a student of the 53rd batch from the Department of History, said incidents including attempted rape and violence have taken place in recent months, but the authorities have not taken adequate steps, prompting demands for the proctor’s resignation.

University Deputy Registrar (Security) Jefrul Hasan Chowdhury Sajal confirmed that some students wrote on the walls during the protest, saying it occurred during a phase of ongoing demonstrations.

According to earlier reports, an alleged attempted rape and attempted murder incident took place late Tuesday night near the expanded area adjacent to Fazilatunnesa Hall and Al-Beruni Hall, where a female student was reportedly dragged into bushes by an outsider.

Following the incident, students have been continuing protests demanding swift justice, improved campus security, and administrative accountability. On Wednesday night, they held a protest march and issued a 48-hour ultimatum after surrounding the Registrar Building.

Meanwhile, police have filed a case at Ashulia Police Station on Wednesday afternoon over the incident, naming unidentified individuals in connection with charges of attempted rape and attempted murder, according to university authorities.