RU teacher sued for sexually harassing student

The family of a Rajshahi University student has sued an RU teacher on the charge of sexually harassing her.

The case was filed under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act with Chandrima Police Station on Thursday night, confirmed Officer-in-Charge Sirajum Munir.

The accused -- Dr Md Amirul Momanin Chowdhury -- is a professor at graphics design, crafts and history of art department of the university.

On Wednesday, 13 RU students filed complaints of sexual harassment against him with the university's sexual harassment prevention cell.

At that time, Prof Laila Arjuman Banu, a member of the cell, had said it was shocking that a dozen of complaints were filed at a time.

The students alleged that the teacher harassed them physically and mentally for a while. "Many knew about it but no one was ready to talk about it. But by now we feel so distressed that we cannot concentrate on academics," said some of the complaints.

There were allegations of multiple acts of harassment, making derogatory remarks, groping, and sending inappropriate photos through messaging apps.

Prof Md Amirul Momanin denied all the allegations, saying he knows nothing about it. "I have been involved in this profession for 26 years and I wasn't involved in any of the alleged incidents," he said.

Dean of fine arts faculty Prof Siddharta Shankar Talukdar said some students verbally complained to him a few days ago.

"The university should take proper steps following the complaints," he added.

Prof Laila Arjuman said, "We will sit to discuss the allegations today."