Leaders of the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) on Saturday warned of blocking the Dhaka-Aricha highway if authorities fail to arrest the suspect accused of attempting to rape a female student on the campus.

The student body also placed a five-point demand, calling for a neutral investigation into the incident and measures to ensure campus safety.

JUCSU leaders announced the demands at a press conference held in front of the main gate of the Vice Chancellor’s residence in the afternoon.

At the briefing, they urged the government’s highest authorities to take immediate and effective steps to arrest the accused. 

They also warned that students would launch a blockade programme on the Dhaka-Aricha highway if the arrest is delayed further.

The organisation further demanded a neutral investigation into alleged negligence by the university registrar’s office, security division and proctorial body.

JUCSU leaders also called on the administration to prevent any vested group from exploiting the situation and warned of fresh protests against the university authorities if their demands remain unmet.

JUCSU General Secretary Mazharul Islam said Executive Member Mohammad Ali Chishti and other students rescued the victim and took her to the university medical centre immediately after the incident on May 12.

He alleged that administrative complications and lack of coordination in identifying CCTV footage hampered the investigation process.

Mazharul also claimed that the circulation of unverified AI-generated images on social media created confusion in identifying the actual suspect.

JUCSU Vice President Abfur Rashid Zitu said students had long considered Jahangirnagar University one of the safest campuses in the country, but the incident triggered deep concern among students.

“We want a clear answer from the administration about when the accused will be arrested and brought to justice,” he sdded.

He also said that students also want to know the progress of the investigation.

After the press conference, Vice Chancellor Prof Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan said the university authorities had already contacted high-level government agencies to ensure the arrest of the suspect.

“Law enforcement agencies have assured us that they will be able to bring the accused under the law soon. We are continuously urging them to act actively,” he added.