THE demand for a cyber safety policy for the campus before the students’ union elections in the University of Rajshahi is more than justified in view of the extent of cyber harassment that candidates in such elections in the University of Dhaka and Jahangirnagar University faced during campaigns. Women candidates in the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union elections on September 12 put forth a seven-point demand that includes the adoption of a fully-fledged cyber security policy with a code of conduct for online activities, fact-checking protocols and penalties with specific provisions for women’s safety. Women students have alleged that misleading information, rumours, defamation and personal attacks are spread on social media. They have complained that their photographs, videos and personal data were used or distorted without consent with suggestive remarks, but the university administration has so far failed to take any action against the offenders. The university administration earlier proved ineffective in addressing women’s allegations of sexual harassment. For the sake of a level playing field, the administration should come out of its deplorable past and immediately review the code of conduct for the elections and ensure women candidates’ online and offline safety.
Before the students’ union elections in the University Dhaka, many aspirants on a number of occasions raised concerns about cyber bullying and urged the administration to take action against students involved in harassment. On September 2, a week before the DUCSU elections, a woman candidate was publicly threatened with gang rape by students. The administration issued a statement, urging all to maintain discipline and the code of conduct for the elections and expelled a student for threatening a woman candidate with gang rape but failed to make any changes in the election environment. In this context, the demand for a strict protocol to ensure women’s online safety is a critical concern that the administration across campuses should immediately address. The demand for the introduction of a privacy protection regime with strict penalties for misuse or distortion of personal data and certificate courses to enhance digital literacy and cyber safety awareness among students and local residents can facilitate a cultural change and encourage a more equal use of cyberspace. The concern for women’s safety in cyberspace is not restricted to campuses. It is a nationwide concern. Since the Police Cyber Support for Women was established in November 2020, 43,834 complaints have been registered. The progressive increase in crimes against women in virtual space suggests that the laws and support systems are inadequate in ensuring online safety.
The university administration should, therefore, address the concern of the women candidates in the RUCSU elections. It should also urgently consider a cyber safety protocol for election-specific online activities.