JU students lift blockade after dialogue with VC on attempted rape case

Protesting students of Jahangirnagar University (JU) unlocked the university’s administrative building this evening after enforcing an eight‑hour blockade, demanding the immediate arrest of the suspect in an attempted rape and attempted murder case involving a female student on campus.

The blockade began around 10:00am when students locked the main entrance of the administrative building, alleging incompetence by both the university administration and law enforcement agencies in failing to arrest the accused even five days after the incident.

“More than 100 hours have passed, yet there has been no visible progress in arresting the absconding suspect,” said Adrita Roy, a student of Drama and Dramatics.

At 4:40pm, JU VC Prof Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan arrived at the protest site, admitting administrative shortcomings.

“Your movement is justified. The administration bears responsibility in this matter, and we have failed to fulfil our duties properly.”

He announced the formation of a seven‑member investigation committee, headed by Prof Dr Md Sohel Rana of Pharmacy, tasked with reporting within seven days.

A representative from the protesters, Naziha Binte Shamsuddin, demanded the report be submitted and presented to students by May 20, along with confirmation of the attacker’s identity. The VC responded that three days might be insufficient for a proper inquiry but promised to consult the committee.

Following discussions, protesters unlocked the gate at 6:20pm, allowing confined staff to leave.

Police detained three individuals from the university’s security office around 9:20 pm.

Shafiul Alam Sohag, sub-inspector of Ashulia Police Station, said one person was detained for allegedly harassing and verbally abusing female students and other women near the Islamnagar Gate of the campus.

Another employee of a campus shop was detained on allegations of filming female protesters near the proctor’s office without their consent in the evening, the sub-inspector said.

A third individual was detained for allegedly making obscene gestures toward female students near the new arts faculty area, he added.