"Addressing Harassment Issues and Ensuring Accountability: Rajshahi University's Call for Action"

 At Rajshahi University, a concerning issue persists as allegations of harassment against student league leaders and activists remain unresolved, with no consequences or punishments being imposed.

Teachers and students alike have raised their voices, emphasizing that the lack of accountability for those involved has resulted in an increase in harassment incidents perpetrated by student league members. This negligence from the university administration in addressing the issue is deeply troubling.

Since the reopening of residential halls at the end of 2021, following the COVID-19 pandemic, incidents of extortion, violence, intimidation, and even seat-selling involving student league members have come to light. This disturbing trend has continued throughout 2022, with over 30 reported incidents and at least 25 formal complaints submitted to the university administration. Although investigation committees have been formed for 13 cases, and over eight investigation reports have been submitted, the administration has failed to impose any penalties on the individuals implicated in these incidents.

University sources reveal that decisions regarding disciplinary actions for violating the student code or engaging in criminal activities are made during meetings of the disciplinary committee, which convenes at least once every six months. However, astonishingly, the committee has only convened twice in the past 14 years, raising concerns about the commitment to upholding disciplinary standards within the university.

During the first five months of this year alone, at least 15 allegations have been lodged against student league leaders and activists. Out of these cases, 10 formal complaints have been submitted to the respective hall provost and proctor's office. Some are currently under investigation, while others await review by the disciplinary committee. Some cases have been addressed through verbal complaints.

One recent incident involved two student league leaders, Na'im Ali (General Editor) and Mazharul Islam (Vice-President), who were accused of removing the nameplates of two students from their beds in Shahid Sohrawardi Hall during a campaign procession for the Rajshahi City elections. The affected students, Jonayed Ahmed and Jobayed Hossain, filed a written complaint with the hall provost to prevent such incidents from recurring. It is important to note that these students have no intention of engaging in any form of political activism.

Professor Jahangir Hossain, the hall provost, acknowledged the written complaint and called for an emergency meeting. However, during the meeting, Na'im Ali, the General Editor of the student league, entered the premises and behaved improperly towards the resident teachers. Notably, Na'im has faced multiple allegations in the past as well. After reviewing all previous complaints against him, the hall administration recommended his permanent expulsion from the university to the central administration.

According to the Proctor's Office and various hall sources, there have been at least 15 allegations against the student league in the past five months. Some complaints were submitted in writing, while others were verbal. Investigations are underway for some cases, and the committee has already submitted reports for at least three incidents. These incidents range from attempts to assault students for trivial reasons to threats, forced evictions, and even physical assaults by student league members.

The university has witnessed unfortunate events such as clashes, violence, and loss of life, indicating a deteriorating situation. Despite these alarming circumstances, University Vice-Chancellor Golam Sabbir Sattar has remained unresponsive to attempts to contact him regarding the matter.

Professor Asabul Haque, the Secretary of the Proctor and Discipline Committee, confirmed that a committee meeting was scheduled for June 7, with discussions planned for approximately 15 complaints. However, the involvement of several individuals implicated in admission test malpractice necessitated a separate meeting of the discipline committee. Considering the university closure from June 7, the committee meeting has been rescheduled after the Eid holiday. Written by: Robiul Hossain Forhad