Three female students from the same department have accused a fellow student of Jagannath University of sexual harassment, triggering a confrontation between Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir on campus.
The accused, Md Nazmus Sakib, is a student of the 2024-25 session in the Department of Islamic Studies. Chhatra Dal claims he is an activist of Chhatra Shibir, while Shibir maintains that although Sakib campaigned for them during the university central student union elections, he is not a member of their organisation.
The three victims submitted separate written complaints to the university’s proctor’s office before 14 April, according to sources.
The complaints allege that Sakib was simultaneously involved in romantic relationships with multiple female students of the same department and established physical relationships with them.
The victims also alleged that during the relationships, Sakib pressured them to join a particular female student organisation, the complaints state.
Demanding action against Sakib and Chhatra Shibir, university Chhatra Dal held a human chain on Tuesday at the foot of the Shaheed Rafiq Building.
Mehedi Hasan Himel, convener of Jagannath University Chhatra Dal, said, “Many of those who are doing politics under the identity of Shibir were previously involved with other organisations and engaged in various misdeeds.”
Alleging that the student union election was rigged through “honey-trapping” of female students, he said, “I call upon the university administration to stop this covert politics so that this trend does not continue in the future.”
Shibir denies allegations
At a press conference held at the university’s Faculty of Science ground, Abdul Alim Arif, president of university Chhatra Shibir, rejected the claims.
“Chhatra Dal is trying to destabilise the campus by portraying a student of the 20 batch as a Chhatra Shibir leader,” he said.
Arif added that his organisation is ready to provide all kinds of cooperation to the administration to ensure justice. “Chhatra Shibir and JCSU are always with the victims for justice,” he stated.
University Proctor Mohammad Nasir Uddin told The Times that three students submitted written complaints before Pahela Baishakh.
“The university has a separate cell for sexual harassment matters. The complaints have been forwarded to them. Necessary action will be taken following an investigation,” he said.
The Times could not obtain a statement from Nazmus Sakib regarding the allegations despite multiple attempts to reach him by phone.
