JU authorities announce 14-point security plan after attempted rape on campus

Jahangirnagar University (JU) authorities on Friday announced a 14-point set of measures aimed at strengthening campus security following the attempted rape of a female student on campus.

The decisions were announced at a press conference held at the university’s Senate Hall around 6:00pm Friday by JU Proctor Prof AKM Rashidul Alam.

At the outset of the briefing, the proctor described the incident as “heinous” and strongly condemned it. He also reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring the swift arrest of the accused and exemplary punishment.

According to the proctor, on the night of May 12, a female student was attacked by an outsider while returning to her residential hall on campus.

In response to demands raised by various student organisations following the incident, the university administration adopted the 14-point decisions at an emergency meeting held on May 14, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan.

The measures include the formation of a quick response team to address security emergencies, the launch of a dedicated hotline for urgent complaints, and making it mandatory for teachers, students, officers, and staff to carry identification cards at all times.

The administration also plans to enforce stricter control over the entry of outsiders into the campus.

Identity card display will also be made compulsory for construction workers, university employees, and shopkeepers operating on campus. Authorities have additionally decided to remove mobile vendors from the campus and create a database containing information on all relevant personnel.

To bolster security, the university will deploy additional guards at key entry points, recruit more security personnel, and seek approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) for the deployment of 100 more Ansar members, the proctor said.

He added that adequate lighting and CCTV cameras will be installed in vulnerable areas across the campus. The administration has also initiated steps to repair damaged sections of the boundary wall and close unauthorised entry points.

The university further announced that the tin-shed extension building of Al Beruni Hall will be declared abandoned and demolished.

A permanent committee will also be formed to prevent bullying, cyberbullying, and ragging on campus, officials said.

Acting Registrar Azizur Rahman and assistant proctors were also present at the press conference.