The Jagannath University (JnU) unit of Samajtantrik Chhatra Front on Tuesday staged a protest rally and procession in solidarity with the ongoing movement at Jahangirnagar University (JU), which is demanding justice over allegations of attempted rape and harassment.
During the demonstration, the student activists also condemned the recent expulsion of two JnU students on allegations of “obscenity,” describing the administration’s action as “moral policing”.
Protesters paraded the campus chanting slogans, including “Rape happens in Jahangirnagar, what is the administration doing?”, “Arrest the rapists immediately, bring them to justice,” and “Light the fire”.
JnU Chhatra Front President Evan Tahseeb noted that students at Jahangirnagar University have been protesting for justice regarding the attempted rape and murder since 13 May.
He questioned the role of the university authorities, stating, “If the university administration itself says that security is not their responsibility, then who will ensure the safety of students coming from different parts of the country?”
He also criticised the expulsion of two JnU students, stating that the authorities could have considered counselling or alternative disciplinary measures instead.
Tahseeb further alleged that several student organisations have opposed the ongoing movement at JU, saying such positions would be remembered in history.
Chhatra Front General Secretary Shamsul Alam Maruf said incidents of harassment and violence are occurring across educational institutions in the country and that the lack of justice is negatively impacting students’ mental health.
He said university administrations should act as guardians of students, but in many cases are instead adopting repressive approaches.
A female student participating in the protest said it is “shameful” that students have to take to the streets demanding justice over sexual violence in educational institutions. She added that such incidents are occurring regularly across the country while justice remains out of reach.
The protest also expressed solidarity with a six-point demand raised by Jahangirnagar University students. The demands include speedy trial of cases, accountability of the proctorial body, formation of a quick response team, establishment of an emergency hotline, strengthening campus security, and recruitment of female security personnel.
