JU students stage torch procession demanding proctor’s resignation

Students of Jahangirnagar University brought out a torch procession, demanding the resignation of Proctor Prof AKM Rashidul Alam and pressing home a five-point demand following an alleged attempted rape of a female student on campus on Wednesday night (May 13).

The protest march began around 10:30pm from the university’s Tarzan Square, thousands of students participating. The procession moved through the female dormitory area before ending in front of the proctor’s office.

The demonstrators accused the university administration of failing to ensure students’ safety and security on campus.

Their five-point demands included the arrest of the accused within 24 hours and speedy legal proceedings, resignation of the entire proctorial body over what they termed a severe failure of duty, effective measures to prevent harassment by students, outsiders or workers, strengthened security at all campus entry points, and the appointment of female security personnel alongside their inclusion in quick response teams.

Protesters also alleged that the proctor had told students on Tuesday night that ensuring student safety was not the responsibility of the proctor’s office but of the registrar’s office.

Lamisha Zaman, a student of the History Department, said the proctor had “completely failed” to ensure student safety and had also failed to resolve harassment complaints submitted to his office.

According to university authorities, the incident took place near the abandoned old Fazilatunnesa Hall area around 11:30pm on Tuesday. The victim alleged that an unidentified man dragged her into nearby bushes and attempted to rape her.

Hearing her screams, several students rushed to the scene, rescued her and took her to the university medical centre for primary treatment.

CCTV footage reportedly showed the victim walking along the road near the old Fazilatunnesa Hall while a man followed her. The footage later showed the suspect wrapping a rope-like object around her neck and dragging her into nearby bushes.

A case was filed with Ashulia Police Station on Wednesday against unidentified persons. The case was lodged by the university administration.

University Proctor Prof AKM Rashidul Alam said authorities had identified the suspect through CCTV footage, although his identity was yet to be confirmed. He added that police had been informed and legal action would be taken swiftly.