Education
DU BCL leader accused of assaulting canteen manager for asking unpaid dues
A leader from the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) at Dhaka University’s Master Da Surja Sen Hall allegedly physically assaulted the canteen manager of the hall over a dispute regarding due payments.
The BCL leader is Arafat Hossain, the organizing secretary of the BCL unit at the hall.
The canteen manager filed a complaint with the hall provost, seeking justice for the attack.
According to the complaint, the accused entered the canteen at noon, where Fahim Hossen was manning the cash counter. After being served food, he requested the due payments amounting to Tk2,650.
In response, Arafat Hossain launched an immediate attack, physically assaulting him by tearing his beard, shirt, and lungi. He then had to flee the scene to be safe, he wrote in the complaint.
The complaint letter further stated that, on a previous occasion, when the canteen manager requested Arafat for the due money, the accused summoned him to his room and threatened him.
In response, Arafat Hossain said, “While having lunch, the canteen manager demanded money. I informed him that I faced issues withdrawing money. Later, as I was leaving, the manager instructed the staff not to provide me with food in the future. In response, I questioned the manager, asking how he could make such a statement.”
Regarding the physical assault complaint, Arafat claimed, “When he pushed me, I grabbed his collar, and my hand inadvertently caught his beard. He initiated the physical contact, and I did not engage in any beating of such kinds.”
Dr. Md Zakir Hossain Bhuiyan, the Provost of the hall, said, “The victim has submitted a written complaint. We have formed a committee comprising three members and instructed them to submit a report within three days. Further actions will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.”
DU sends Naadir Junaid on 3 months' forced leave following sexual harassment complaint
Dhaka University administration on Monday sent Prof. Naadir Junaid of the Mass Communication and Journalism (MCJ) department to three months of forced leave in light of allegations of a sexual harassment complaint filed by a female student.
The department's chairperson Abul Mansur Ahmed read out the university's official decision to the students in the department’s corridor around 4:30 pm.
“In the interest of maintaining the smooth operation of the university's educational activities, you are required to take a leave for three months starting from February 12, abstaining from all academic and administrative responsibilities,” he announced in the letter in front of the students.
“Furthermore, the matter will be presented in the next syndicate meeting for a thorough investigation into the allegations raised against you. Any necessary actions will be taken in accordance with the decisions made by the syndicate,” he added.
Academic freeze: DU MCJ students start indefinite boycott of classes demanding investigation, suspension of Prof. Naadir Junaid
The students of the department started gathering in the department’s corridor from 10 am this morning for the second day to press home their three points of demand following yesterday's decision to boycott all academic activities indefinitely.
DU student files sexual harassment complaint against senior teacher of MCJ dept
Around 2:15 pm, they carried out a protest rally that marched to the Vice Chancellor’s office where they went to submit their memorandum.
As the VC was not present in the office then, they marched to the VC's residence. There, the department's chairperson Abul Mansur Ahmed requested them to wait till 4 pm as he said the VC was in a meeting with foreign delegates.
Abul Mansur Ahmed said, “Wait till 4 pm, VC sir confirmed he will give a written final decision about your demands.”
Before heading to meet the VC, as part of their protest, the students locked and sealed the professor's office and the department's classrooms.
Chhatra Union's DU unit protests sexual harassment allegation against professor
UGC directs National University not to admit new students to its main campus
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed the authorities of National University (NU) to refrain from admitting students at the undergraduate (honours) level for the 2023–24 academic year at its main campus.
A press release signed by Dr Shamsul Arefin, director, Public Relations and Information Rights Division, was issued in this regard on Sunday.
According to the press release, the directive will remain in force until further directives from the Chancellor President Mohammed Shahabuddin are issued.
The UGC said it sent a letter to President Shahabuddin on 25 January regarding the decision to admit students to the National University main campus.
A request was made to stop all the admission activities published in the admission circular of the NU until further directives from the chancellor are issued.
The UGC issued the directive stating that the process of admitting students to undergraduate programmes in the university's main campus was a clear violation of the National University Act.
“If the students are admitted to the main campus of the National University, the legal purpose of the establishment of the National University will be disrupted along with the legal complications of the students and the suffering of the students and parents.”
Therefore, the Commission sought the direction of the President to take necessary measures to stop the admission of students in the undergraduate program in the main campus of the National University.Last year, the National University main campus published a notification seeking applications from students interested in enrolling in undergraduate (honours) programmes in LLB, BBA, Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Nutrition and Food Science departments.
At that time, UGC sent several letters ordering the suspension of student admissions in the main campus of the National University.
Academic freeze: DU MCJ students start indefinite boycott of classes demanding investigation, suspension of Prof. Naadir Junaid
The students of Dhaka University's Mass Communication and Journalism (MCJ) department have declared an indefinite boycott of all academic activities, demanding the immediate suspension of Prof. Naadir Junaid, who faces a formal sexual harassment complaint filed by a female student.
Additionally, the students have declared Prof. Naadir persona non-grata on campus. Students from all batches collectively announced an indefinite class boycott and protest program on Saturday night.
In a memorandum submitted to the department’s chairperson, Prof Abul Mansur Ahmed on Sunday morning, students raised three key points: urgent formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the sexual harassment allegations against Prof. Naadir Junaid; swift and decisive punishment for sexual predators; and the suspension of the teacher from all academic activities during the investigation period.
“Under the current circumstances, all current students of the department have decided to boycott all academic activities, including classes and examinations, until action is taken against the allegations of sexual harassment and psychological abuse against Professor Nadir Junaid,” the students wrote in the memorandum.
“We are steadfast in our decision not to resume classroom activities until our demands are addressed. If required, more measures may be taken,” it added.
Beginning at 8:30 am on Sunday, students gathered in the department corridor, displaying placards and banners, while chanting slogans against Prof. Naadir Junaid, reports our DU correspondent.
Posters declaring Prof. Naadir persona non-grata were displayed on the department's notice board and in various locations across the campus.
Read: DU student files sexual harassment complaint against senior teacher of MCJ dept
Following discussions with the Department Chairperson and two other faculty members, who visited the Vice Chancellor’s office to address the matter after receiving the memorandum, protesting students organised a procession that moved towards the VC office via Mall Chhatar, concluding at the base of Aparajeyo Bangla.
Students place six-point demand protesting sexual harassment in BAU
Students of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have placed a 6-point demand protesting the sexual harassment and molestation of a fellow student.
The third-year students of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry brought out a procession from their faculty that ended at the administration building.
At that time, they also marched surrounding the administrative building and boycotted the class and examination.
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They said that on February 10, the victim student was going to take a practical class at Shahjalal Animal Nutrition Field Laboratory of the university. While passing through the road adjacent to the residential area of the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) a 20-25-year-old autorickshaw driver touched her body from behind and tried to lift her into the vehicle.
“When the victim screamed, the man fled with the CNG,” they added.
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Their demands are:
1. The CNG driver should be identified and brought to justice immediately.
2. The movement of outsiders should be controlled.
3. Every place in the university should be covered by CCTV and adequate lighting should be ensured at every corner of the campus.
4. Specific uniforms for Rickshaws and auto drivers’ with registration numbers should be ensured.
5. Ensure proper accountability of the security unit.
6. The number of security personnel should be increased.
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Proctor Professor Dr. Md. Azharul Islam said the number of the vehicle was collected through CCTV footage.
The matter has been informed to all concerned security departments.
A general diary (GD) was lodged at Kotwali Model Police Station in this regard, said Prof. Dr Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, director of the University Security Council.
“Efforts are on to trace the accused CNG driver,” he added.
Two Chittagong University proctors quit
Two assistant proctors of Chittagong University resigned from their administrative posts on Sunday.
Dr Md Morshedul Alam and Arup Barua submitted their resignation letter to acting registrar KM Noor Ahmad citing personal reasons.
Youth crushed under wheels of Chittagong University-bound train
Dr Morshedul Alam said, "I resigned for personal reasons.There is nothing more behind my resignation. I submitted my resignation to the registrar this morning.”
Earlier in March last year, 19 officials proctors, principals of various halls, and resident teachers in various positions of administration simultaneously resigned from the administration of Chittagong University.
Four members of a family rescued after landslides on Chittagong University campus
MBBS admission test results published
The results of the admission test for MBBS course at the country’s public and private medical colleges for academic session 2023-24 were published on Sunday.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen announced the results at the conference room of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) at 3 pm.
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The minister also thanked all concerned for holding the examination in a fair atmosphere.
“The female candidates outnumbered the male ones in the admission test,” said the minister.
This year, a total of 1,04,374 students filled up forms for the medical test and of them 1,02,369 appeared for the examinations, he said.
The pass mark was fixed at 40% and a total of 49,923 students have come out successful. Of them, 20,457 are males and 29,466 are females.
Tanjim Muntaka Sarba secured the top position with 92.5 marks.
Unidentified man’s body found along Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Cox’s Bazar
Secretary to the Health and Family Welfare Ministry Azizur Rahman, BMA President Dr Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin, Director General of DGHS ABM Khurshid Alam and Director General of Directorate Education Prof Titu Mia were present there.
New curriculum to contribute to job creation as per domestic, global demand: Edu Minister
Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury on Sunday said the new curriculum will contribute to job creation as per the domestic and international market demands.
“ The current government has introduced a competency-based and student participation-based curriculum instead of the traditional curriculum,” he said.
MBBS admission test results published
The minister said these when a delegation led by Edimon Ginting, country director of the Asian Development Bank in Bangladesh paid a courtesy call on him at his office at the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat on Sunday.
During the meeting, the ADB country director assured the minister of enhanced cooperation for the development of technical and vocational education and teachers training.
Chhatra Union's DU unit protests sexual harassment allegation against professor
He said that the Asian Development Bank will always stand beside Bangladesh to build inclusive and dynamic education management through effective coordination between technical and general streams.
Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury said that ADB can play a role in sharing the teaching-learning experiences of countries in the Asian region in implementing the new curriculum, said a press release.
DU student files sexual harassment complaint against senior teacher of MCJ dept
The ADB country director hoped the new curriculum will help to transform Bangladesh's potential human capital into human resources.
Chhatra Union's DU unit protests sexual harassment allegation against professor
Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Chhatra Union’s (BSU) Dhaka University unit formed a human chain on the campus, demanding a trial for the sexual harassment allegations brought against the Mass Communication and Journalism department’s Prof. Naadir Junaid.
They urged students to build a strong movement demanding investigation of the incident and the establishment of an effective anti-sexual harassment cell as soon as possible.
Kranooprue Lotus, the Press and Publication Secretary of the DU unit, said in his speech that allegations against university teachers are not prosecuted.
“There is no precedent for them to be fired. Consequently, they continue to engage in such behavior. Therefore, it is crucial to implement the anti-sexual harassment cell.”
Meghmallar Bosu, the president of the DU unit, emphasized that the main focus should be on power when such allegations surface.
“We discuss various issues whenever there is an incident of sexual harassment. Some talk about clothes, and some sexualize women. However, the main focus needs to be on power. The culture of power arbitrariness in a state structure has reached such a point that it is constantly creating oppressors.”
Kashfia Hasan Mouri, the Vice President of the DU Unit, mentioned in her speech, “Why would a teacher look at students with greedy eyes? The name of the teacher you see on the banner, Naadir Junaid, offered to have a sexual relationship with his student. After the proposal was rejected, the student was asked if she was a woman and whether she had any problems. Do you understand the extent of his audacity?”
Earlier, a student of Dhaka University filed a written complaint alleging sexual harassment and prolonged psychological abuse against Prof Naadir Junaid of the university's Mass Communication and Journalism Department on Saturday morning.
In the complaint submitted to the Proctor Md. Maksudur Rahman, the student brought a host of allegations, including threatening her in various ways for not accepting his romantic advances, monitoring her through the CCTV camera, continuously calling her at odd hours, and expressing sexual interest.
DU student files sexual harassment complaint against senior teacher of MCJ dept
A student of Dhaka University has filed a written complaint alleging sexual harassment and prolonged psychological abuse against Prof Naadir Junaid of the university's Mass Communication and Journalism Department.
Prof Naadir has questioned the timing of the complaint as 'odd'. DU authorities had not shared the complaint with him till Saturday afternoon, according to the professor, who joined DU as a lecturer in the year 2000.
In the complaint submitted to the Proctor Md. Maksudur Rahman, the student brought a host of allegations, including threatening her in various ways for not accepting his romantic advances, monitoring her through the CCTV camera, continuously calling her at odd hours, and expressing sexual interest.
“He used to make lewd comments about my physical appearance and express sexual tension. At the same time, he used to persuade me to participate in phone conversations of a sexual nature,” she wrote.During this time, the faculty also talked to her about internal administrative matters of the department such as the department's committee decisions, examination results, and even the conduct of the teachers, she wrote.
The student wrote that she tried to ignore his romantic advances but she couldn’t shut off communication completely fearing repercussions as Prof Naadir holds significant power in the department.
She shared her emotional experience, stating, “Over the past year and a half, I have endured significant mental distress. Unfortunately, I found it challenging to articulate this pain directly to him. The intensity of the emotional strain reached a point where it affected my sleep, causing insomnia during the night. To cope, I sought counseling at the beginning of last year and, regrettably, had to resort to sleeping pills.”
The student also wrote when she tried to stop all kinds of communication, Prof Naadir publicly rebuked her in the classroom.
“Then he repeatedly insisted that I was not 'normal' and suggested that I should seek medical attention. His persistence escalated as he questioned my emotional responses, repeatedly asking why I did not respond to his romantic advances. This escalated into verbal abuse, with him berating me as an 'idiot' and accusing me of being 'insensitive,” she wrote in the complaint.
As a student, I endured relentless sexual harassment, feeling powerless due to his position of authority, she said.
Expressing her perspective on the matter, the student shared, “Having observed the detrimental impact of the teacher's resentment, I unfortunately became a victim of prolonged sexual harassment lasting over a year and a half. This harassment stemmed from what I can only describe as personal aggression.”
Despite repeatedly advising students against using social media, the teacher extensively monitors discussions on others' Facebook accounts, that she believes fosters an atmosphere of fear in the department.
“During a class to the 16th batch, he conveyed a message of scrutinising their Facebook posts. This has fostered a culture of fear within our department that leads to self-censorship among peers. I felt cornered by a teacher who seems to be establishing an atmosphere of intimidation, and there are concerns about the potential continuation of such behavior in the future,” she added.
It was also alleged that the Prof used to mention the names of other female students and made obscene comments about their physical appearance.
“I have come to know many times that several other students were approached by him,” she wrote.
The student urged for resolute measures to be taken post a fair investigation.
Contacted, Prof Naadir Junaid said, “I have been hearing for the last few days that such allegations might surface, this timing is very odd.”
When asked about some screenshots and audio recordings, he said, "I have not been contacted by the university administration yet, so cannot comment further on this issue.”
DU proctor Professor Maksudur Rahman confirmed that he received the written complaint.