Jahangirnagar University (JU) authorities have suspended all academic certificates of a former student following allegations of raping a female student of the university.
The accused, SM Tarikul Islam, was a student of the 44th batch of the Institute of Information Technology (IIT). The university administration confirmed that his undergraduate and postgraduate certificates have been withheld for the time being.
According to a press release issued on Saturday night, the decision followed a written complaint filed by the victim.
The incident reportedly occurred on 24 February, when the student was allegedly intimidated and taken to a residence in the nearby Islamnagar area. The complainant stated that she was bound, gagged, physically tortured, and raped at the location.
An emergency administrative meeting chaired by Vice Chancellor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan was convened to address the matter. The Pro-VC (Academic), Pro-VC (Administration), Treasurer, acting Registrar, and Proctor were present, and immediate action was decided.
A six-member investigation committee has been formed, headed by Mohammad Mafruhi Sattar, dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences. Other members include Md Sohel Rana (Pharmacy), Khandakar Mohammad Shariful Huda (Geography and Environment), Mirza Taslima Sultana (Anthropology), and Nasreen Sultana (Government and Politics). Lutfar Rahman Arif, deputy registrar (Higher Education and Scholarship), will serve as member secretary. The committee has been instructed to submit its findings promptly.
The JU administration said it has taken measures to ensure the victim’s safety and sought assistance from law enforcement agencies. Authorities pledged full support in legal proceedings to ensure justice.
