Dhaka University students Shahriar Islam Tushar and Rakib Ahmed Sohan have come under scrutiny after allegations of harassing two women near the Raju sculpture adjacent to the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC).
Shahriar Islam Tushar, a 2023–24 student of the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies and a resident of Bijoy Ekattor Hall, was initially active in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Classmates say he later established contacts with members of Chhatra Shibir and Chhatra Dal.
For the past three months, Tushar reportedly spent time regularly at the Central Shaheed Minar area. While he initially socialised with seniors and friends, students allege he later formed his own “circle” with a few local youths, questioning passersby and attempting to control their behaviour – actions some have described as “moral policing.”
A few days ago, he and Sohan were allegedly involved in a verbal altercation with Dhaka College students over smoking. A video of the incident shows one of the college students confronted with the words, “You are much junior to me – why did you touch me?”
Tushar has denied all allegations, telling TIMES of Bangladesh, “We used to sit and hang out at Shaheed Minar like many others. We were not involved in any violent activity.” He added, “We also assist street children in the area according to their capacity. They respect and love us, yet these events are being misrepresented to spread propaganda against us.”
Rakib Ahmed Sohan, a 2023–24 student of the Department of World Religions and Culture and a resident of Zia Hall, reportedly began frequenting Shaheed Minar alongside Tushar about a month ago.
Classmates say this is not the first time Sohan has been involved in controversy. During the department’s orientation day, he allegedly took photos and videos of students without permission. He later apologised under pressure from batchmates but is accused of repeating similar conduct.
Students note that both Tushar and Sohan were regularly present at the TSC and Shaheed Minar late at night in recent weeks.
The latest incident occurred early Wednesday morning near the Raju sculpture at TSC. A video circulating on social media shows one of the accused wielding a bamboo stick and attempting to kick a young woman. Witnesses in the video alleged that the women were assaulted.
Two male students accompanying the victims filed a written complaint with the university proctor. In response, the Dhaka University proctorial team formed a three-member investigation committee led by an assistant proctor.
University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed told TIMES, “Following the complaint, we established a committee and instructed them to collect all relevant information, including video footage.” He added that the committee has been asked to submit its report within three working days.
Investigation committee head AKM Nur Alam Siddiqui said, “We have initially started examining the TSC incident. Another video of a separate event has also been received and is being verified.”
He further noted, “The accused students will be questioned tomorrow (today). The committee will review the video footage and consider all aspects before submitting its report.”
