Investigation Launched at Dhaka University After Assault on Women
Synopsis
In a troubling incident at Dhaka University, a committee has been formed to investigate allegations of assault against two women by male students. This event raises significant concerns regarding safety on campus and the alarming rise of violence against women in Bangladesh.
Key Takeaways
Committee Formation: A three-member panel has been established to investigate the incident.
Incident Location: The assault occurred near the Raju Sculpture at the Teacher-Student Centre.
Social Media Evidence: Video footage of the incident is circulating online.
Safety Concerns: This event raises serious concerns regarding women's safety on campus.
Ongoing Investigation: The university is reviewing CCTV footage to gather more evidence.
Dhaka, February 26 (NationPress) - The administration of Dhaka University has established a three-member inquiry panel in response to reports of harassment and violence involving two female students allegedly perpetrated by male students from the university, as reported by local outlets.
The incident transpired during the early hours of Wednesday near the Raju Sculpture at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) situated on the campus.
In a statement to Bangladesh's prominent publication, The Daily Star, Dhaka University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed that the committee was initiated after the two male companions of the women submitted formal complaints to his office on Wednesday.
Videos circulating on social media depict one of the accused wielding a bamboo stick and attempting to assault one of the women, while the women claimed they were subjected to physical aggression.
“We do not feel safe in front of the University of Dhaka. Our safety has been compromised since August 5. Male students assault us, claiming our attire implies we are prostitutes,” one woman was quoted as saying in the footage by The Daily Star.
“We arrived at TSC after having sehri at Nazirabazar. They slapped my companion and labeled us as prostitutes. How can they dare to strike women?” said the other woman.
In a moment captured on camera, an individual off-screen asserts, “There is no evidence,” prompting the woman to respond, “There is CCTV footage.”
Another woman, expressing her frustration, questioned, “Why did he hit me? What gives a Dhaka University student the right to strike me? Am I not allowed here? Am I not from Bangladesh?”
The students identified as the accused are Shahriar Islam Tushar, a first-year student in the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies, and Rakib Ahmed Sohan, a first-year student in the Department of World Religions and Culture at Dhaka University.
Proctor Saifuddin further noted that CCTV footage of the event has been secured. “From the footage, we have identified four Dhaka University students present at the scene,” he stated.
However, he remarked to The Daily Star that an initial review of the footage did not show any evidence of the women being struck with sticks. “It appears they threatened the women with sticks and struck the male companion on the head with a helmet. Whether the women were actually hit needs further investigation. While I observed them raising the sticks, I have not yet seen clear footage of them directly hitting the women,” he elaborated.
This incident highlights the rising concern over violence against women and children in Bangladesh, which is alarming.
Point of View
It is imperative to address this incident with an unbiased lens, focusing on the broader implications for safety and gender-based violence in educational institutions. The formation of the investigative committee reflects a necessary step in acknowledging and addressing the concerns raised by the victims, emphasizing the need for a safer environment for all students.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Dhaka University?
Two women reported being assaulted by male students on campus, leading to the formation of a three-member committee to investigate the incident.
What actions have been taken by the university?
The university has established an inquiry committee and secured CCTV footage of the incident for review.
Who are the accused students?
The accused are Shahriar Islam Tushar and Rakib Ahmed Sohan, both first-year students at Dhaka University.
What are the broader implications of this incident?
This incident highlights the rising concerns of violence against women in Bangladesh and raises questions about safety on university campuses.
Is there any evidence of the assault?
While CCTV footage has been reviewed, initial findings did not show clear evidence of physical assault on the women.
