DU female student threatened with gang-rape over filing writ against Farhad's Ducsu candidacy

A female student who filed a writ petition challenging the eligibility of SM Farhad as the general secretary candidate from the panel backed by Islami Chhatra Shibir in the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) election has been threatened with "gang-rape" on Facebook by another university student.

Ali Husen, a student of the Sociology Department (academic year 2020–21), yesterday (1 September) wrote on Facebook: "Instead of protesting against the High Court, it would be better to first organise a gang rape procession! (Don't act civil over these words – whoever supports her deserves the same treatment!)."

The post immediately sparked outrage on social media. Teachers, students, and candidates in the Ducsu polls expressed anger and demanded Ali Husen's expulsion from the university as well as legal action against him.

This particular incident has come to the fore because of its wide reach on social media. But incidents of harassment are taking such a severe toll on young girls that they are often subjected to extreme threats.

Professor Samina Luthfa of the Sociology Department wrote on Facebook, "Even if you dislike it, she has the right to file a writ. But Ali Husen has no right to threaten her with gang rape for doing so. Action must be taken against him – through due process. And if that's called being 'civil', then I am civil! Loud and clear!"

Ducsu vice president (VP) candidate Abdul Kader also posted, "Such heinous acts as threatening a female student with gang rape, instead of addressing her writ legally and politically, will not be tolerated at Dhaka University."

Meanwhile, a photo of Ali Husen allegedly participating in a Jamaat-e-Islami programme has circulated on social media, fueling speculations that he is linked to Jamaat politics. Shibir is the student wing of Jamaat.

However, Shibir's Dhaka University unit President SM Farhad denied any connection, writing on Facebook, "The DU student accused in this incident is not involved with Shibir. Those spreading propaganda to link Shibir with this will face legal action, Inshallah."

Later in the day, Shibir's DU unit lodged a complaint with the university authorities against Ali Hossain for the rape threat.

Md Sajjad Hossain Khan, Shibir's publicity and media secretary, told TBS that SM Farhad submitted the complaint to DU Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed around 10pm.

Earlier, the female student who was threatened, the candidate for Liberation War and Democratic Movement Affairs from the left coalition-backed Aparajeyo 71 and Adomyo 24 panel, filed a writ petition challenging the validity of Farhad's nomination for the post of general secretary (GS) in the Ducsu election.

Following a primary hearing, at 3:50pm yesterday, the High Court suspended the Ducsu election process and the final voter list until 30 October. However, later that afternoon, the Appellate Division's chamber court stayed the High Court's suspension order.

Attempts to reach DU Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed by phone for comment were unsuccessful.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Professor Dr Md Faruq Shah, provost of Sergeant Zahurul Haq Hall, said, "I have heard about the matter. It is very unfortunate. Such language cannot be accepted from any Dhaka University student. If we receive a complaint, we will investigate and take action as per rules."

He added, "As far as I know, a complaint has already reached the Proctor's office. The proctor has forwarded it to the Ducsu election task force. The task force has already asked me for the student's contact number, which I have provided."