Dhaka University authorities on Wednesday suspended sociology student Ali Husen for six months for issuing rape threat on social media to a female student contesting in the forthcoming students’ union elections, triggering widespread protests.
The decision was taken following the recommendation of a proctorial inquiry committee formed over the allegation, said a press release issued by DU public relations office .
The release said that it was the highest punishment under the authority of proctor according to the university order.
The press release added that, the allegation against him had also been forwarded to the university’s sexual harassment committee for further action.
Not only in Dhaka University, protests erupted from Monday in many other universities also and on the social media as well over the alleged ‘gang rape’ threat to BM Fahmida Alam.
Fahmida received the alleged threat after she had filed a writ in the High Court, challenging the candidacy of a fellow student, SM Farhad, competing for the general secretary post in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union elections from the Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir panel.
Different student organisations, including Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, as well as candidates from different panels, including, Aparajeyo 71 - Adammya 24, Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad-led panel Baishamyabirodhi Shikkharthi Sangsad, Meghmallar Bose-led panel Pratirodh Parshad, and Umama Fatema-led panel Satantra Shikkharthi Oikya, demanded exemplary punishment for Ali Husen.
Islami Chhatra Shibir, however, denied Ali Husen’s connection with their organisation, and claimed instead that he was connected with Chhatra Dal. Ali Husen, a student of 2020–21 academic session, is a resident of Shahid Sergeant Zahurul Haq Hall, added the DU press release.
On Tuesday, the DU authorities formed two separate committees to investigate the rape threat allegations amid protests. Protests erupted immediately after a post in Bangla appeared on Ali Husen’s Facebook profile accompanying Fahmida’s photo on Monday afternoon.
‘Instead of protesting against the High Court now, a march should be held first to gang rape her,’ read the post.
In response to BM Fahmida Alam’s writ petition, the High Court on Monday afternoon stayed the DUCSU elections, prompting protests on the campus. After half an hour, however, the Appellate Division cleared the way for holding the elections.
The Appellate Division’s full bench on Wednesday upheld its earlier stay on the High Court order that halted the DUCSU elections, effectively clearing the way for the polls scheduled on September 9.
Meanwhile, Chhatra Dal female leaders and activists formed a human chain in front of the Supreme Court, protesting against Ali Husen’s rape threat and continuous cyber-bullying targeting female students allegedly by Islami Chhatra Shibir people.