A group of female students of Dhaka University (DU) on Sunday submitted a memorandum to the university authorities condemning two recent incidents on campus describing them as “unfortunate and deeply concerning” and pressing for a three-point demand aimed at ensuring a discrimination-free environment for female students.
The memorandum was submitted to DU Proctor Prof Md Israfil Ratan around 11:00am by DU Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Research and Publications Secretary Sanjida Ahmed Tonni, Executive Member Hema Chakma, Vice-President of Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall Students’ Union Sanjana Chowdhury Ratri, and several other female students.
In the memorandum, the students referred to an incident in which a former DU couple visited Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall to watch a FIFA World Cup match but were allegedly asked to leave the hall.
Despite being alumni who entered the campus lawfully, they were reportedly forced to leave solely because a woman was present, with their presence being questioned.
The memorandum also cited another incident in which a current DU student was secretly filmed while spending time on campus with a female classmate. The video was later circulated on social media, exposing the pair to ridicule, humiliation and online harassment.
The students argued that both incidents reflected a discriminatory attitude towards women, interference in personal freedom, and the growing prevalence of mob culture on campus.
They stated that a university should be an open space for knowledge and intellectual exchange, where everyone, regardless of gender, enjoys equal dignity, security and the freedom to move and participate.
The memorandum demanded conducting impartial investigations into the two incidents and taking appropriate action against those responsible; adopting clear policies and effective measures to prevent harassment of women, online abuse, secret video recording and mob culture on campus; and ensuring that no administrative or residential decisions discriminate against women or impose unreasonable restrictions on their movement and participation.
Earlier, Md Saju Mia, social welfare secretary of Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall Students’ Union, allegedly forced a former female student and several alumni to leave the hall while they were watching a World Cup match. -UNB
