KU students suspended sine die
Students of Khulna University (KU) on Thursday night announced an indefinite suspension of all academic and administrative activities, demanding justice over allegations of sexual harassment involving two faculty members and the alleged secret recording of female students by a dormitory canteen worker.
As part of their protest, students locked all academic and administrative buildings on campus, saying normal operations would remain halted until their demands are met.
The decision came after a meeting with the university administration, which students described as inconclusive. They alleged that the authorities failed to provide any concrete commitments, citing legal complexities instead of taking immediate action.
The protesters placed three key demands before the administration:
Ensure the maximum legal punishment for Imam Hasan, the canteen worker accused of secretly recording female students inside a residence hall, and hold the relevant hall provost accountable for allegedly failing to prevent the incident.
Permanently dismiss Professor Dr Md Rubel Ansar of the Bangla Discipline and Professor Dr Md Rezaul Islam of the Agrotechnology Discipline over separate allegations of sexual harassment.
Cancel the registration of the recently formed student club, Spandan 24.
Students said they would continue their protest until visible steps are taken to implement the demands.
The demonstration follows Wednesday’s protest, when students locked the university’s main gate and administrative building before staging a sit-in at Hadi Square, calling for swift investigations and exemplary punishment for those accused of sexual misconduct.
Responding to the situation, Prof Dr Selina Ahmed, provost of Bijoy ’24 Hall and a faculty member of the Social Science Discipline, said the incidents are under investigation.
“The investigation is ongoing. It would not be appropriate to comment before it is completed. Necessary measures will be communicated once the investigation report is submitted,” she said.
Meanwhile, the university administration has held a series of meetings and announced several immediate measures. A five-member inquiry committee has been formed and instructed to submit its report within three working days.
The administration has also cancelled the allocation of the hall canteen previously operated by Imam Hasan, banned mobile phone use by employees inside female residence halls, prohibited the appointment of male workers in the university’s two women’s dormitories, and decided to formulate stricter guidelines for operating canteens in female halls.
University Treasurer Prof Dr Md Nurunnabi told reporters that Imam Hasan had been produced before a court after being taken into police custody. According to police, a case has been filed against him under multiple sections of the Pornography Control Act, 2012, which are non-bailable.
The latest unrest stems from an incident on Wednesday, when female students of Bijoy ’24 Hall allegedly caught Imam Hasan after discovering a mobile phone hidden inside a washroom, which they claimed was being used to secretly record videos.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among residential students over their safety and privacy.
