DU JCD protests against gang-rape threat

The Dhaka University (DU) unit of Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) staged a powerful protest rally on Tuesday condemning the shocking public gang-rape threat issued against student B M Fahmida Alam by fellow student Ali Hossain.
 
The demonstration began at TSC's Payra Chattar at noon, with protesters marching through campus streets whilst chanting "Ali Hossain's studentship must be cancelled" and "No shelter for abusers on this campus." The rally concluded with an assembly outside the Registrar's Building.
 
The incident stems from Monday night when Ali Hossain, a DUCSU left alliance supporter, posted the gang-rape threat against candidate Fahmida Alam on Facebook. The post sparked widespread social media outrage and demands for immediate punishment.
 
Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas, JCD president, criticised ongoing administrative inaction, saying, "Sexual harassment against women has been continuing since 5 August, yet the administration has not taken any action. Female students regularly face cyberbullying, but the Vice-Chancellor has done nothing."
 
JCD vice-president candidate for DUCSU, Abidul Islam Khan, highlighted escalating concerns, saying, "Since 5 August, our female peers have faced obscene remarks and online propaganda. We even saw perpetrators of harassment garlanded after being released from jail. Yet both state and university administrations remain silent."
 
DUCSU General Secretary candidate Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim warned of broader electoral manipulation, saying, "From releasing harassers from police stations to creating complications over voter cards—all these are tactics to discourage students. If the administration cannot perform its duties, then resign."
 
Central JCD Vice-President Mansura Alam expressed disappointment over continued harassment, saying, "After the fall of autocracy, we thought we'd have a country where women could move freely. But women continue to face harassment and cyber-bullying."
 
The protesters filed seven complaints with the Election Commission regarding the incident, though no action has been taken. Students are demanding Ali Hossain's immediate expulsion and questioning how fair DUCSU elections can proceed in such an environment.
 
NRE/NSA