Protest at Shahbagh against 'harassment' of DU professor Kaberi Gayen

A protest rally was held at Shahbagh on Sunday demanding the withdrawal of what was described as "false and baseless" allegations against Professor Dr Kaberi Gayen of Dhaka University's Mass Communication and Journalism Department.

The rally, under the banner of 'University is not a place for vendetta', was organised in front of the National Museum. Leaders from various student, youth, labour and cultural organisations participated. The rally was chaired by Dr Fazlur Rahman, president of Bangladesh Khetmajur Samity, and conducted by Bahauddin Shuvro, general secretary of Bangladesh Chhatra Union.

Speakers alleged that the allegations against Professor Gayen were motivated and brought forward without following due institutional processes. They stressed that a university should not be a place for personal or group vendetta but a safe space for free thought, expression and justice.

The rally demanded the immediate withdrawal of the allegations. It also called for a transparent, impartial and fair investigation process, ensuring the accused's right to defend herself. The speakers warned that if a just process is not followed, a broader movement would be launched by progressive student, youth and cultural organisations.