JU students give 48-hour ultimatum over alleged assault, rape attempt on campus
Students also warned that the university’s proctorial body would have to resign if the deadline is not met.
Students of Jahangirnagar University have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the university administration to ensure the arrest of an accused in connection with the alleged attempted rape of a female student on campus and swift completion of legal proceedings.
The ultimatum came following a series of emergency meetings held from last night to early today (14 May) involving leaders of Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (Jucsu), female students, student organisations and the university's Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan over the incident and campus security concerns.
During the meetings, Jucsu leaders placed a seven-point demand before the university administration, while female students presented a separate six-point demand that received full support from student organisations.
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Students also warned that the university's proctorial body would have to resign if the deadline is not met.
The students further demanded stricter measures to prevent harassment on campus, improvement of overall campus security, recruitment of female security personnel and their inclusion in the university's Quick Response Team.
They also called for the formulation and implementation of cyber security regulations.
Responding to the demands, the VC Kamrul said all demands that can be implemented by the university authorities would be addressed on a priority basis.
He added that issues falling under the jurisdiction of state institutions would be communicated to the relevant authorities for immediate action.
According to the VC, the accused has already been identified with assistance from students, journalists and Jucsu leaders, and a regular case has been filed with the police station.
The vice-chancellor said law enforcement agencies, including police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), are actively working to arrest the accused, while the university administration is maintaining constant communication with senior police officials.
To strengthen campus security, the vice-chancellor announced several immediate and long-term measures, including accelerating construction of the university boundary wall, setting up five police checkpoints from the main gate to Prantik Gate area and tightening restrictions on outsider entry to the campus.
He also warned that strict disciplinary action would be taken if negligence by any individual is found in connection with the incident.
