DU female students seek action against gender bias

A group of female students from Dhaka University (DU) on Sunday submitted a memorandum to the university authorities, demanding action against gender discrimination and calling for measures to ensure a safer and more inclusive campus.

The memorandum was handed to DU Proctor Prof Md Israfil Ratan by several female student leaders, including DUCSU Research and Publications Secretary Sanjida Ahmed Tonni, Executive Member Hema Chakma and Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall Students’ Union Vice-President Sanjana Chowdhury Ratri.

The students condemned two recent incidents they described as deeply concerning. One involved a former DU couple who were allegedly asked to leave Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall while watching a FIFA World Cup match because a woman was present.

The other involved a current student who was secretly filmed with a female classmate, with the video later circulated on social media, leading to online harassment.

Despite being alumni who entered the campus lawfully, they were reportedly forced to leave solely because a woman was present, with their presence being questioned.

The memorandum also cited another incident in which a current DU student was secretly filmed while spending time on campus with a female classmate. The video was later circulated on social media, exposing the pair to ridicule, humiliation and online harassment.

The students argued that both incidents reflected a discriminatory attitude towards women, interference in personal freedom, and the growing prevalence of mob culture on campus.

They stated that a university should be an open space for knowledge and intellectual exchange, where everyone, regardless of gender, enjoys equal dignity, security and the freedom to move and participate.

The memorandum demanded conducting impartial investigations into the two incidents and taking appropriate action against those responsible; adopting clear policies and effective measures to prevent harassment of women, online abuse, secret video recording and mob culture on campus; and ensuring that no administrative or residential decisions discriminate against women or impose unreasonable restrictions on their movement and participation.

Earlier, Md Saju Mia, social welfare secretary of Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall Students’ Union, allegedly forced a former female student and several alumni to leave the hall while they were watching a World Cup match.

In protest, Ratri announced a programme to watch the World Cup match at the Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall playground on Sunday morning.

A group of female students participated in the event before proceeding to the Proctor’s Office to submit the memorandum.