Students of Jahangirnagar University (JU) staged an overnight sit-in in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s residence, demanding the resignation of the proctorial body following an alleged attempted rape of a female student by an outsider on campus.
The protest began late Friday night after students said a 48-hour ultimatum given to the university administration to arrest the accused had expired without any visible progress.
They subsequently demanded the resignation of Proctor Professor Rashidul Alam, alleging failure to ensure campus safety.
Around 1:30am, protesting students brought out a march from Tarzan Chattar, which passed through several female residential halls before ending at the vice-chancellor’s residence, where they began their sit-in programme.
The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday night around 11:30pm near the old Fazilatunnesa Hall area, where a female student was allegedly dragged into nearby bushes by unidentified individuals in an attempted sexual assault.
Following the incident, the JU authorities filed a case with Ashulia Police Station against unknown persons.
Students had earlier issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the arrest of those involved and swift legal action. They also warned of escalating protests if their demands were not met.
The protesting students demanded the immediate arrest of the accused, expedited legal proceedings, enhanced campus security, recruitment of female security personnel, formation of a quick response team, and implementation of cyber protection measures for students.
They alleged that repeated security failures in recent years had rendered the proctorial body unfit to remain in office.
Around 2:30am, Vice-Chancellor Professor Kamrul Ahsan met the protesting students at the scene. The meeting became tense as differences emerged over administrative responsibility in ensuring campus security.
The vice-chancellor said that incidents involving outsiders fall under police jurisdiction and are treated as criminal cases, while internal matters are handled by the university’s Proctorial Body.
His remarks triggered further dissatisfaction among students, who continued their sit-in protest.
He later assured that an investigation committee would be formed to review possible lapses by the Proctorial Body.
However, the students rejected the proposal and continued their demonstration in front of the residence at the time of reporting.
