Two separate complaints of sexual harassment were filed against two teachers of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur.

Two students separately submitted written complaints to the university’s Proctor Office and Student Counseling Office, said Dr Iliyas Pramanik, Student Adviser and Member Secretary of the Sexual Harassment Prevention Cell.

The accused are Md Shamim Hossain, an Assistant Proctor and Assistant Professor of the Department of Geography and Environmental Science, and Dr Shakibul Islam, Associate Professor of the Department of Disaster Management.

One of the complainants submitted a 31-page written statement against Shamim Hossain while another student lodged a sexual harassment complaint against Dr Shakibul Islam.

Earlier on Thursday (Oct 30), students of the 2020–21 academic year from the Department of Geography and Environmental Science submitted a written complaint citing sexual harassment, to the department head seeking directives to restrain Prof. Shamim Hossain, from conducting classes, exams, and other academic activities.

According to the complaint, the student alleged that Shamim Hossain made indecent gestures, inappropriate proposals and unwanted physical contact.

Besides, when contacted, Prof. Dr Shakibul Islam, said, “I’m not aware of any such matter. I’m not that kind of person. I’ll look into it through the department.”

Md Mostafizur Rahman, Head of the Department of Geography and Environmental Science, said a written complaint was received last Thursday signed by 31 students of the 2020–21 session.

They demanded that the teacher’s classes and exams be suspended, adding: “We held an emergency meeting where several female students made serious allegations. Another meeting will be held soon to decide the next course of action.”

Dr Emdadul Haque, Head of the Department of Disaster Management, said, “A sexual harassment complaint has also been filed in our department by one of our female students. We held a meeting on the matter at noon today (Monday).”

University Proctor Dr Md Ferdous Rahman said the allegations will be reviewed in a meeting within seven days to decide on necessary action.

Dr Iliyas Pramanik, member secretary of the Sexual Harassment Prevention Cell, said, “We have received a complaint and steps will be taken in line with the university’s policy on sexual harassment prevention.”