Khulna University Students Continue Protests Demanding Accountability for Harassment Allegations
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Students at Khulna University continued their protest for the sixth consecutive day on Monday, boycotting classes and examinations to demand justice for sexual harassment and campus-wide systemic misconduct. The demonstration featured a torchlight vigil and a protest concert held at the university’s “Odommo Bangla” monument, drawing students from various disciplines to call for improved campus safety and institutional accountability.
The unrest, which persisted until late Monday night, stems from a series of grievances, including allegations of sexual harassment against two faculty members and reports of a canteen employee at the Bijoy ’24 Hall secretly filming female students. In response, students launched an indefinite boycott of all academic and administrative activities. While protesters initially locked the administrative and academic buildings last Thursday—a measure they eased on Sunday morning—the boycott of classes remains firmly in place.
বিজ্ঞাপন
Protesters have consolidated their demands into a three-point agenda. They are calling for the maximum legal penalty for Imam Hasan, the canteen worker accused of filming students, and the subsequent accountability of the hall provost body for alleged negligence. Additionally, they demand the permanent expulsion of Professor Rubel Ansar from the Bangla discipline and Professor Rezaul Islam from the Agrotechnology discipline, both of whom face sexual harassment charges. Finally, the students have requested the immediate cancellation of the registration for the newly formed “Spandan-24” club, citing concerns over its objectives and formation process.
Speaking on behalf of the organizers, fourth-year student Habibullah Khan emphasized that the ongoing demonstrations serve as a collective stand against a culture of impunity. He reaffirmed that the movement will continue with further programs until their demands are met and justice is served for the victims.
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In response to the escalating situation, the university administration has initiated a formal investigation. Professor Md. Salauddin, the Director of Student Affairs, stated that the administration has committed to completing the probe within five working days. He noted that two days have already passed, describing the progress of the investigation as satisfactory. The administration intends to convene a syndicate meeting as soon as the final report is submitted.
Despite the mounting pressure on their academic progress, students remain resolute. Rana Mia, a fourth-year student in the History and Civilization department, acknowledged the potential for session jams but stated that the student body is prioritizing a permanent resolution over a quick return to class. He maintained that students would not resume their studies until the university provides a fair and definitive solution to the current crisis.
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