Dhaka University Hall Leaders Confront Probe Committee Over CCTV Footage Seizure in Student Harassment Case

A high-level investigation into alleged student harassment at Dhaka University’s Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall descended into chaos on Tuesday as hall union leaders confronted university officials and blocked the movement of an inquiry committee. The standoff occurred at the office of the hall provost, where committee members were attempting to secure CCTV footage related to a contentious incident involving student Md. Ibrahim.

The investigation, led by University Proctor Professor Israfil Ratan, centers on allegations that students were harassed in the presence of Provost Professor Ilyas Al Mamun on August 16 following a dispute over a social media post. During Tuesday’s evidence collection, student leaders affiliated with Islami Chhatra Shibir demanded a copy of the CCTV footage. When the committee refused to release the files, citing ongoing investigative protocols, the student leaders barricaded the office and refused to allow the Proctorial team to depart.

The situation was eventually de-escalated after the Proctor promised that students would be granted an opportunity to review the footage at the Vice-Chancellor’s office. Khondaker Md. Abu Naim, Vice President of the hall union, accused the Proctorial team of attempting to suppress evidence, stating that the footage would not be released until the committee provided a copy to student representatives.

Professor Ratan maintained that the committee acted within its professional mandate to preserve the integrity of the investigation. He emphasized that releasing or distributing evidentiary material before the conclusion of an inquiry is procedurally prohibited. Despite the heated confrontation, the committee eventually secured the footage and exited the hall.

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The unrest traces back to August 16, when student Md. Ibrahim was reportedly summoned to the provost’s office and subjected to physical and psychological harassment. That evening, students held the Provost hostage for several hours, demanding his resignation. The standoff culminated in a physical altercation between members of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir, leaving several injured.

Following the confrontation on Tuesday evening, a delegation comprising the victim, hall union members, and Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) leaders met with the Vice-Chancellor. Under the Vice-Chancellor’s directive, the pen drive containing the CCTV footage was officially sealed in the presence of student representatives and submitted to the administration. The Proctor has committed to reviewing the footage with the complainant and student delegates present to ensure transparency.