JU student suspended over harassment of female student on university bus
The suspended student is a student of the anthropology department (50th batch).
Jahangirnagar University (JU) authorities have suspended a student following allegations of secretly taking photographs and physically harassing a female student on a university bus.
The incident took place at around 4pm yesterday (13 June) on a bus heading from the university towards Bongobazar.
The suspended student, Md Hasanur Rahman, is a student of the anthropology department (50th batch) and a resident of Nawab Salimullah Hall.
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According to the written complaint and eyewitnesses, the victim noticed Hasanur secretly taking photos of her while sitting beside her on the bus near the Pakiza area in Savar.
When confronted, he initially denied the allegation.
However, while attempting to delete the photos from his phone, the female student took hold of the device.
Hasanur then allegedly tried to snatch it back, grabbing her hand in the process, and the victim fell from her seat during the ensuing scuffle.
Other students on the bus intervened and detained Hasanur.
Although he denied taking the photos, images found on his phone allegedly showed the female student.
The bus returned to campus, where both the victim and Hasanur were taken to the JU security office and submitted written statements in the presence of assistant proctors.
The university administration reviewed the evidence and found the accused student's conduct to be a serious offence.
It subsequently suspended him with immediate effect and began the process of filing a case over the incident.
Assistant Proctor Professor Mohammad Abdur Razzak said the statements of both parties will be submitted to the vice-chancellor, who is expected to form an investigation committee and take further action based on its findings.
VC Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan said the university has treated the matter with utmost seriousness.
"Today, an unfortunate and serious incident involving a female student occurred on a university bus. After reviewing the evidence and testimonies, we have concluded that the accused student's conduct was unbecoming of a student and constitutes a serious offence.
"In accordance with the university's disciplinary regulations, he has been suspended, and the university has decided to file a case. The process is under way," he said yesterday.
The VC added that he has spoken with the victim, who he said expressed relief over the university's actions.
