JUCSU blocks highway over delay in attempted rape case arrest

Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) on Monday staged a protest and briefly blocked the Dhaka-Aricha Highway, intensifying their movement over the failure to arrest the accused in an attempted rape case even after 100 hours of the incident.

The demonstration began around 4:30 PM from the university’s Shaheed Minar and ended at the Dairy Gate adjacent to the highway, where protesters held a sit-in for nearly 20 minutes, causing traffic congestion on both sides of the road.

The protest came two days after JUCSU announced a five-point demand and warned of tougher action, including a highway blockade, if the suspect was not arrested promptly.

During the programme, students accused the university administration and law enforcement agencies of failing to ensure justice and campus security despite repeated assurances.

JUCSU Joint Secretary Ferdous Al Hasan said the delay in arresting the accused reflected administrative failure and negligence regarding students’ safety.

Protesters chanted various slogans, including “Break the black hands of rapists", “We demand answers from the administration", and “Direct action".

JUCSU General Secretary Mazharul Islam criticised recent remarks made by the university proctor, saying the explanation regarding a lack of clues or information was unacceptable.

“If the accused is not arrested and a proper investigation is not ensured within 24 hours, the university will be brought to a standstill,” he warned.

JUCSU Vice President (VP) Abdur Rashid Zitu said students had lost confidence in campus security and alleged that certain groups were trying to politicise the movement.

The alleged attempted rape incident took place on the night of May 12 near the old Fazilatunnesa Hall area, where an outsider reportedly attempted to rape a female student.

Since the incident, students have carried out a series of protests, including locking the proctor office on May 16 and the university’s administrative building on May 17, demanding immediate arrest of the accused and accountability from the administration.

JHJ/AM