DU chemistry professor arrested over sexual harassment of male students
University authorities have already instructed Prof Ershad to refrain from all academic and administrative activities after two students filed complaints of sexual harassment
Police have arrested Dhaka University (DU) Professor Dr Md Ershad Halim of the chemistry department following allegations of sexually harassing multiple male students over a prolonged period.
The arrest came shortly after students publicly detailed the accusations yesterday (13 November).
Halim was apprehended at around 11pm last night from his residence in Shewrapara by Mirpur police and subsequently sent to court this morning, Md Sajjad Rummon, officer-in-charge (OC) of Mirpur Model Police Station, confirmed.
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The arrest followed a press conference held by a group of DU chemistry students at the Dhaka University Journalists' Association (Duja) office last night, during which they demanded the professor's expulsion and maximum punishment under the law.
'Deeply inappropriate and coercive conduct'
The students alleged that Halim would call male students to his office room or house under various pretexts, where he engaged in "deeply inappropriate and coercive conduct," reports UNB.
They told the press that he would call students to his room, turn off the lights, and close the doors and windows, demanding physical contact.
He would reportedly forcibly touch sensitive parts of their bodies and engage in unwanted behaviour.
One student of the 2022–23 session, Ovik Chakraborty, added that the professor often targeted students who were academically, financially, or mentally vulnerable.
He described a recent incident where Halim allegedly called a victim to his house, asked him to take his shirt off, and then undressed himself before physically and sexually assaulting the student.
The professor reportedly used blackmail to maintain the victim's silence.
DU action
DU Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed told UNB that the police had contacted them, and they were informed that they could proceed with the arrest since the offence is cognisable.
The university authorities had already instructed Halim to refrain from all academic and administrative duties after two students filed formal sexual harassment complaints.
The proctor noted that charges have been forwarded to the university's anti-sexual harassment cell, and further disciplinary action will follow a thorough investigation.
