JCD protests gang-rape threat, Shibir candidate hits back

Tensions at Dhaka University (DU) escalated on Tuesday as the campus witnessed a strong protest by the Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) against a gang-rape threat issued on social media against DUCSU candidate BM Fahmida Alam.

The demonstration began at TSC's Payra Chattar at noon, with students marching through campus streets while chanting slogans such as "Ali Husen's studentship must be cancelled" and "No shelter for abusers on this campus." The rally concluded outside the Registrar's Building.

The threat was posted Monday night by Ali Husen, a supporter of the DUCSU left alliance, sparking widespread outrage and demands for immediate punishment. JCD leaders criticised the university administration for inaction. 

"Sexual harassment against women has been continuing since August 5, yet the administration has done nothing," said central JCD President Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas. 

Vice-President candidate Abidul Islam Khan added, "Perpetrators of harassment were even garlanded after being released from jail, yet both state and university administrations remain silent."

JCD 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 tactics are used to discourage students. If the administration cannot perform its duties, then resign."

Meanwhile, SM Farhad, General Secretary candidate of the Shibir-backed "Oikkoboddho Shikharthi Jote" panel, hit back at JCD allegations. 

Speaking at a press briefing at Madhur Canteen, he said, "Two days after filing a writ in the High Court, when the topic of postponing the DUCSU election arose, it became clear from their statements that they are concerned about DUCSU, not about me. Yet, they are portraying the student accused of issuing gang-rape threats as a Shibir supporter. I submitted a written complaint to the Proctor and advised the victim to pursue legal action."

Farhad further accused JCD of targeting Shibir and its supporters in the media and of a broader pattern of harassment. "Some media outlets have published news against Shibir without taking our feedback. We have evidence linking this party to 44 rape incidents this year and 500 pages of screenshots showing JCD slut-shaming female students tied to Shibir," he alleged. He added, "At Agricultural University, JCD used outsiders to carry out attacks. In Chittagong University, local BNP leaders caused incidents with over a hundred casualties. Yet today, they hold rallies at universities calling, 'Catch each Shibir member and slaughter them one by one.'"