Students of Khulna University (KU) have announced an indefinite boycott of all academic and administrative activities, demanding action over sexual harassment allegations against two teachers and secret filming of female students by a canteen worker.
The protests were triggered by the alleged discovery of a canteen worker secretly filming female students and long-standing allegations of sexual harassment against two university professors. Students said the shutdown would continue until the administration guaranteed immediate implementation of their demands.
The unrest began on Thursday morning when students locked the administrative building before extending the boycott to all academic buildings later that night. Protesters accused the university authorities of delaying action instead of taking immediate decisions.
The students placed three demands: the maximum punishment for canteen worker Imam Hasan and accountability of the Bijoy ’24 Hall provost body for alleged negligence; the immediate and permanent expulsion of Professor Rubel Ansar of the Bengali Discipline and Professor Rezaul Islam of the Agrotechnology Discipline; and the cancellation of the registration of the Spondon-24 club over concerns regarding its formation and purpose.
According to the students, Imam Hasan was caught on Wednesday night allegedly filming female students through washroom ventilators at Bijoy ’24 Hall. He and his wife were later handed over to police.
Students also demanded action over allegations against two faculty members. Professor Rezaul Islam was earlier relieved of his duties as head of the Agrotechnology Discipline following allegations that he sent indecent messages to a student in June.
Professor Rubel Ansar was accused of harassment by two students in August last year. While he was cleared of one allegation, he was barred from academic duties for two years in connection with the other.
In an emergency press release, the university administration said a case had been filed against Imam Hasan and his wife with Harintana Police Station and that the canteen allocation had been cancelled.
The administration also formed a five-member investigation committee, banned employees from carrying mobile phones inside residential halls and prohibited male employees from working in female student halls.
It further ordered a fresh investigation into the allegations against Professor Rubel Ansar and directed the committees investigating Professor Rezaul Islam to submit their reports within seven working days.
Despite the measures, the protesting students said the shutdown would continue until they received assurances that their demands would be implemented effectively and without delay.
The university has meanwhile extended the deadline for current-term registration until 4 August without imposing any late fee.
