Protest erupts as male staff conduct searches in female dorm at NSTU

Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) is under scrutiny after allegations that male staffs conducted searches in the Hazrat Bibi Khadija female dormitory rooms. The incident triggered protests by female students late Tuesday night.

According to students, the university administration launched a raid to confiscate illegal items, including electric stoves, from several dormitory rooms. During the operation, multiple male staff members reportedly entered female students’ rooms without prior consent, causing significant embarrassment and distress.

In response, the students gathered around 11:30 PM on July 1 on the dormitory’s ground floor, protesting against the administration’s actions. Hall Provost Professor Abdul Kaiyum Masud and other officials arrived around 1:15 AM, listened to the students’ complaints, and assured that an investigation would be conducted. The protest ended around 2:00 AM as the situation normalized.

One student described the incident as “frightening and humiliating,” saying they had no time to cover themselves before male staff entered. Another recounted being startled awake when a male staff member suddenly entered her room during a rest period due to illness.

Student Al Mahmud criticized the university administration, questioning the legality of male staff searching female dormitory rooms and the appointment of a male provost for a female hall. He called the incident “irresponsible” and demanded immediate corrective measures.

Responding to the incident, Hall Provost Masud said the operation aimed to identify vacant rooms and seize illegal electrical appliances. He emphasized that male staff are not permitted to enter female dormitory rooms and assured that any violation would be thoroughly investigated and punished. Masud also noted no complaints were filed during the raid, which lasted until 8:30 PM, and that a follow-up meeting with students was held Wednesday morning.