United News of Bangladesh

Students of Khulna University (KU) on Thursday locked the administrative building and shut all academic activities, demanding justice over allegation of video recording through a hidden camera inside a female dormitory washroom. The protest followed an incident on Wednesday night when students of Bijoy '24 Hall found a mobile phone set hidden inside a washroom in a female dormitory. They later detained Imam Hasan, 24,  son of the hall canteen owner who had been working at the canteen for around two years, accusing him of secretly recording videos. Students said they became suspicious after spotting the mobile phone in the washroom around 10:30 pm on Wednesday. They alleged that several secretly recorded videos were found on his phone. Students further claimed that Imam had been secretly recording videos through the washroom ventilator for a long time and sharing them in various Telegram groups. They also alleged that his wife was aware of the activities. The incident triggered anger and concern among the hall's residential students over their safety. Students announced a protest rally at Hadi Chattar 12 pm, demanding a fair investigation and exemplary punishment  of those responsible. The protesters alleged that despite several hours passing after the incident, the university administration has not taken any effective action. They also claimed that previous allegations of sexual harassment involving university teachers has not been properly addressed. The students declared that all academic and administrative activities would remain suspended until a fair investigation is completed and those responsible are brought to justice. Contacted for comment, Bijoy 24 Hall Provost Prof Dr Selina Ahmed said the matter is under investigation. "The investigation is ongoing. It would not be appropriate to comment before it is completed. Necessary information and actions will be shared after the investigation report is received," she said.