BCL activist “assaults” female student, protest erupts in Islamic University

Hundreds of students of Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia held a protest last night (October 20, 2022) against alleged assault of a female student by an activist of Chhatra League on the campus.

The protesters threatened to carry out bigger movement if justice is not served, reports our Kushtia correspondent.

Syeda Saima Rahman, a student of political science department was staying in the guest room of Khaleda Zia Hall on the recommendation of EB Chhatra League General Secretary Nasim Ahmed Joy, according to sources.

Hall Provost Dr Yasmin Ara Sathi later agreed to let Saima stay in one of the rooms of the hall, even though the seat is not allotted in her name.

On Wednesday (October 19, 2022), Saima went to the room and demanded the seat of her choice. The three residents of the room, who were staying on their allotted seats, asked her to stay on the other bed.

At that time, two students including Poppy Akhter of Bangla department, also residents of the hall, intervened to settle the matter. Saima allegedly misbehaved with both of them.

Saima later informed her friend and BCL activist Shahin Alam about the incident. Around 7:30 pm on the day, Shahin went to Khaleda Zia Hall along with other BCL leaders and activists, including Hafiz and Masum. Hafiz is an assistant of EB Chhatra League General Secretary Nasim Ahmed Joy. They called Poppy to talk.

At one stage of the conversation, Shahin Alam hit her, alleged Poppy. Poppy's friend Pathik, also a student of EB, was with her at that time. The BCL men beat him up when he protested.

"Chhatra League activist Hafiz called Poppy. At one point of the conversation, Poppy was hit. When I protested, they beat me up too," Pathik said.

Other students present in the area protested the incident. After that, the BCL activists left from the place quickly.

When the matter came to light, the general students of the hall started protesting yesterday (October 20, 2022).  About 200 female students started protesting in the hall.  Around 8 pm, members of the proctorial body arrived and tried to normalise the situation.

Later, at around 11 pm, the protesters suspended the movement on the assurance of the provost.

Accused Shahin Alam claimed that "There was no incident of assault and beating.  At one stage of the conversation, Hafiz was threatened by Pathik."

Hall Provost Professor Dr Yasmin Ara Sathi said "I will sit with the administration and all concerned at 11 am today and discuss the matter. Hopefully, it will be resolved."

Proctor Professor Jahangir Hossain said that he believes "The matter will be resolved."