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A group of female students of Dhaka University (DU) on Sunday submitted a memorandum to the university authorities demanding action against alleged gender discrimination on campus and calling for measures to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for women.
The memorandum was handed over to DU Proctor Prof Md Israfil Ratan at around 11:00AM by Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) Research and Publications Secretary Sanjida Ahmed Tonni, Executive Member Hema Chakma, Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall Students' Union Vice-President Sanjana Chowdhury Ratri and several other female students.
In the memorandum, the students expressed concern over two recent incidents which they described as discriminatory and harmful to women's rights and personal freedom.
One of the incidents involved a former Dhaka University couple who were reportedly asked to leave Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall while watching a FIFA World Cup match. The students alleged that although the alumni had entered the campus lawfully, they were forced to leave solely because a woman was present.
The memorandum also referred to another incident in which a current female student was allegedly filmed without her knowledge while spending time on campus with a female classmate. The video was later circulated on social media, exposing the students to online harassment and public ridicule.
The students argued that the incidents reflected growing gender discrimination, interference in personal liberty and the spread of mob culture on campus. They said a university should remain a space where all students, regardless of gender, enjoy equal dignity, security and freedom of movement.
The memorandum placed three demands before the university authorities. These include conducting impartial investigations into the two incidents and taking action against those responsible, adopting effective policies to prevent harassment, secret video recording, online abuse and mob behaviour on campus, and ensuring that no administrative or residential decisions impose discriminatory restrictions on women.
Earlier, Md Saju Mia, social welfare secretary of Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall Students' Union, allegedly asked a former female student and several alumni to leave the hall while they were watching a World Cup match.
In protest, female students organised a symbolic World Cup match viewing programme at the playground of Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall on Sunday morning before marching to the Proctor's Office to submit the memorandum.
TZ
