Harassment of female students cannot be stopped at public universities across the country as many universities have already become defiled by torturing and harassing female students. 

In the latest incident, Jagannath University student Fairuz Abantika committed suicide on Friday night after being the victim of harassment. Besides, sexual harassment is regularly happening at Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, Chattogram University, Islami University, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University and other universities.

Female students become traumatized as they don’t get justice for sexual harassment. In some cases, traumatized students commit suicide.

Anu Muhammad, professor of the Economics Department at Jahangirnagar University, told this correspondent that the incidents of sexual harassment are increasing not only at public universities but also at schools, colleges and madrasas. Chhara League men are involved in maximum sexual harassment incidents at the universities. University authorities are patronizing the Chhatra League. That is why, victims can’t get justice for sexual harassment.       

Sources at the Jagannath University said the accused assistant proctor Deen Islam was involved in the politics of the Chhatra League. He becomes desperate after the appointment of the assistant proctor. Now a section of Chhatra League is trying to save accused teacher Deen Islam.   

Professor Anu Muhammad said Jagannath University student Fairuz Abantika submitted a written complaint. Maximum victims don’t get the courage to make a complaint against the assaulters.  

He also said if the university authority wants such crimes could be stopped. Sexual harassment is increased if the university authority becomes backboneless. The government is appointing such vice-chancellors who don’t want to take action against the assaulters, alleged the educationalist.  

In 2009, the High Court directed the formation of an anti-sexual harassment cell in every educational institution to prevent sexual harassment. Even though fifteen years have already elapsed, many institutions in the country have not yet implemented the directive. On the other hand, an anti-sexual harassment cell was formed at various universities after the verdict. But most of the victims don’t get justice as the assaulters are influential or student leaders. For this reason, university campuses have become safe houses for sexual assaulters.

University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman (additional charge) Prof Dr Muhammad Alamgir told Bangladesh Pratidin that universities are part of the society. Sexual harassment is prevailing at every corner of society not only at universities. Suicide is not a path or solution to get rid of sexual harassment. These crimes should be prevented.   

He also opined that delay of justice inspires all crimes. University authorities will have to take necessary measures against the sexual assaulters without delay. Reluctance increases sexual harassment which is not acceptable.

Meanwhile, police arrested Jagannath University assistant proctor Deen Islam and student Amman Siddique over the death of Fairuz Abantika.

DMP commissioner Habibur Rahman confirmed this information to the media on Saturday night.

@ The article was published on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on March 17, 2024 and has been rewritten in English by Golam Rosul.