Female students of Dhaka University have submitted a memorandum to the Vice Chancellor (VC) demanding the reconstitution and activation of the Anti-Sexual Harassment cell. The students presented a 12-point demand to the VC around 2 pm on Monday.
The memorandum was presented by Nuzia Hasin from Linguistics, Ania Fahmin from Anthropology, Israt Jahan Emu from Management and Information Systems, Maliha Tabassum from Finance, and Rahnuma Ahmed Niret from Physics.
Their demands include reconstituting the Anti-Sexual Harassment Cell and setting up similar cells in each department. They also demanded student representation in these cells and called for swift resolution of complaints within 15 working days.
They emphasized that teachers accused of harassment should not engage in academic activities during investigations, and all past allegations must be revisited. The students also suggested forming a special force within the proctorial team to handle incidents of harassment without blaming the victims.
Other demands included increasing the number of washrooms for women, improving security on campus, and allowing non-resident female students to enter. They also called for installing ceiling fans in women’s halls and increasing the number of these halls.
The memorandum highlighted the 2009 High Court directive for all educational institutions to form Anti-Sexual Harassment cells, which many institutions, including Dhaka University, have not fully implemented.
Ania Fahmin, one of the student representatives, said, “Female students will continue to raise their voices and take further steps if needed.”
Despite years of delay, the students are determined to ensure a safe and respectful environment on campus.
