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Online Desk
Students at Jahangirnagar University
have launched protests following an alleged attempted rape of a female student
on campus. Accusing the university administration of failing to ensure student
safety, protesters have demanded the resignation of Proctor Professor A K M
Rashidul Alam along with four other demands.
At around 10:30 pm on Wednesday,
nearly one thousand students brought out a torch procession from the
university’s Tarzan Square. The march moved through different female
dormitories before ending in front of the proctor office. Protesters chanted
slogans demanding stronger campus security and swift justice for the victim.
Students
Present Five-Point Demands
The protesters placed five key
demands, including:
Arresting
the accused within 24 hours and ensuring a speedy legal process
Resignation
of the entire proctorial body for failing in their responsibilities
Effective
measures to prevent harassment and violence on campus
Tightened
security at all campus entry points
Recruitment
of female security personnel and their inclusion in quick response teams
Students alleged that the proctor
avoided taking responsibility for campus safety. Lamisha Zaman, a student of
the History Department, said the proctor’s remarks reflected irresponsibility
despite the administration’s failure to ensure security.
How
the Incident Occurred
According to allegations, around
11:30 pm on Tuesday, a female student was dragged into a nearby bush and an
attempt was made to rape her near the old Fazilatunnesa Hall area of the
university. Hearing her screams, several students nearby rushed to the spot and
rescued her.
Eyewitness student Zahid Hasan said
they found the victim emerging from the bushes in a terrified condition. Her
clothes were covered in dirt and dust, and she had lost her sandals during the
incident. Later, the university security division was informed, and she was
taken to the university medical center.
University physician Tanvir Hossain
confirmed that the victim was given primary treatment.
Suspect
Captured on CCTV
CCTV footage of the incident reportedly
shows a man following the student before suddenly wrapping a net-like object
around her neck and dragging her toward the nearby bushes. University
authorities said the suspect could be seen in the footage, but his identity has
not yet been confirmed.
Following the incident, the
university administration filed a case with Ashulia Police Station on Wednesday
against unidentified individuals. Deputy Registrar of the university’s security
division, Md. Jefrul Hasan Chowdhury, filed the complaint.
University Proctor Professor A K M Rashidul Alam said authorities are analyzing CCTV footage from different locations to identify the accused and have already informed the police. He added that legal action would be taken swiftly.