Section of JU students demand arrest in attempted rape case, condemn targeting of proctor

A section of Jahangirnagar University (JU) students today formed a human chain and held a protest rally demanding the swift arrest and trial of the suspect in the attempted rape of a female student.

The protesters, mostly from environmental sciences department, also condemned "disrespectful behaviour" towards their departmental head and Proctor Prof AKM Rashidul Alam.

The programme, organised by students of the environmental sciences department, was held around 1:00pm in front of the campus Shaheed Minar.

Speaking at the event, Tanvir Rahman, a student of the department and transport secretary of Jucsu, said no visible progress had been made in the investigation several days after the incident.

“A heinous incident took place at JU on the 12th. Even after many hours, there has been no visible initiative to arrest the accused,” he said.

“Neither the university administration, police administration nor the home ministry has made any clear statement to the students,” he added.

Tanvir said the attempted rape case was highly sensitive for the university community and urged authorities to ensure justice through proper legal procedures.

Condemning alleged misconduct towards the proctor, Tanvir claimed some students used abusive and inappropriate language targeting the proctor last night.

“As a student of this department, I demand action against those involved. Their student status should be revoked if necessary,” he said.

Earlier on Saturday morning, a group of protesters locked the proctor office, demanding the resignation of the proctorial body over allegations of failing to ensure campus safety.

The protesters also declared the proctor “persona non grata” on campus.

Later yesterday evening, students handed over three outsiders to the university’s security unit in separate incidents over allegations of harassing female students on campus.

Around 9:20pm, Ashulia police took the three individuals into custody.

Allegations also emerged that a group of students used abusive language targeting Proctor Rashidul Alam in front of the proctor’s office the same night.