Students at Jahangirnagar University locked the proctor office on Saturday and declared the Proctorial Body “unwanted,” protesting the administration’s handling of an alleged attempted rape of a female student on campus.
The demonstration intensified after a 48-hour ultimatum given by students to arrest the accused expired without any reported arrest.
Students staged an overnight sit-in in front of the vice-chancellor’s residence from Friday night. During a press briefing on Saturday morning, protesters said they had placed a six-point demand before the administration on 13 May, including the immediate arrest of the suspect.
The protesters accused the university administration of failing to respond responsibly to the incident and alleged that authorities had provided unclear information to students regarding the case. They also claimed that misleading photographs related to the incident had been circulated, creating confusion.
Students said recent incidents on campus and the administration’s failure to take effective action had heightened concerns over security. They vowed to continue the movement until the proctor resigns, the accused is arrested, and exemplary punishment is ensured.
Following the briefing, female protesters removed the previous lock from the proctor office and installed a new one. Protest slogans and graffiti were also written on the office walls and doors.
At one stage, a heated exchange took place between protesting students and Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan.
The vice-chancellor said law enforcement agencies were working to identify and arrest the suspect and that some progress had already been made in the investigation.
He added that administrative measures would be taken based on the recommendations of an investigation committee after hearing statements from both parties involved.
He also said allegations regarding the circulation of incorrect photographs would be investigated and urged students to allow the administration time to complete the process.
Meanwhile, protesters announced plans to blockade administrative buildings in the coming days and called on teachers, students, cultural organisations, and members of the public to express solidarity with their movement.
