Allegation of torture against DU hall provost

Despite an ongoing investigation into the allegations of harassment against a residential student by the Provost of Dhaka University's Fazlul Haque Muslim Hall, the university administration has instead issued show-cause notices to the victim and two hall council leaders. The notices were issued over the allegation that they locked and sealed the accused provost's room.

The separate show-cause notices, signed by University Proctor Professor Dr. Israfil Prang, were issued on Sunday (August 23). The three individuals who received the notices are Md. Ibrahim, a student of the Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering Department from the 2020-21 academic session; Khondakar Md. Abu Naeem, the Vice President (VP) of the Fazlul Haque Muslim Hall Council; and Tarikul Islam, the Social Service Secretary.

The notice posted to the victim, Ibrahim, said that following the Vice-Chancellor's directive, an investigation committee was formed to ascertain the facts regarding the untoward incident that took place in the Provost's room on August 16. It added that while the investigation was ongoing, the hall office reported on August 20 that Ibrahim had locked and sealed the Provost's room. A video related to this incident had also spread on social media.

The notice further mentioned that no one has the authority to lock, blockade, or seal any administrative building, office, or room without the approval or instruction of the university administration. Ibrahim's actions are considered contrary to the university's existing rules and regulations and constitute a serious administrative offense.

Ibrahim has been asked to provide a written explanation within one working day as to under what authority, jurisdiction, or permission he locked and sealed the Provost's room. He has also been asked to explain why administrative action should not be taken against him. The notice stated that if a satisfactory explanation is not provided, further action will be taken according to the rules.

Hall Council VP Khondakar Md. Abu Naeem and Social Service Secretary Tarikul Islam have also been issued show-cause notices on the same charge. The administration's step has sparked outrage among the victim, hall council leaders, and general students of the university.

The victim, Md. Ibrahim, said, "I sought justice for the torture I endured, but instead, I am now facing retaliation. Even though the CCTV footage clearly shows the Provost's offense, he remains in his position while we have been served notices. We did not seal the entire hall office, only the room of the accused Provost."

He added, "It now seems the university administration is not seeking justice for the torture but is rather moving towards expelling me."

Hall Council VP Khondakar Md. Abu Naeem said, "I, along with the victim Ibrahim and Social Service Secretary Tarikul Islam, have been served show-cause notices for demanding the resignation of the Provost who physically and mentally tortured my brother for an hour and a half, and for locking his room."

He alleged, "Despite clear CCTV footage, the university administration is unable to take action against a teacher. Instead, they are trying to silence us by creating pressure on us. Our just movement cannot be stopped through intimidation or pressure. Our protest will continue until a fair investigation and justice are ensured regarding the incident that happened to our fellow student."

Earlier, in a social media post on August 16, student Md. Ibrahim alleged that he was called to the room of Provost Professor Dr. Elias Al Mamun for sharing a Facebook post that criticized various decisions of the Provost.

Ibrahim alleged that his mobile phone was forcibly taken away and checked there. He was threatened for about an hour and a half with seat cancellation, expulsion of his studentship through the Vice-Chancellor, and a case under cyber law. He also claimed that he was physically and mentally harassed during this time. It was also alleged that he was later forced to sign a written confession through hall employees.

The university administration formed an investigation committee over the incident. While the investigation was ongoing, the victim and the hall council leaders were served show-cause notices regarding the locking and sealing of the Provost's room.

Regarding the overall matter, the convener of the investigation committee and University Proctor Professor Dr. Israfil Prang said, "We have already sent a notice to the accused teacher as well, and he has submitted a written reply. Our investigation is ongoing."

He further stated, "Based on the evidence of offenses we find against both parties, recommendations for punishment will be made accordingly. The highest policymakers of the university will take action against them according to the rules."