HC orders IGP, DU VC to submit report on steps taken over sexual harassment

The High Court has sought to know what are the steps taken to punish the guilty by investigating the cases of sexual harassment on women on Dhaka University campus during Bengali new year celebration.

The inspector general of police and Dhaka University vice chancellor were on Thursday asked to submit within a month reports on the steps taken.
 
The bench of Justices Quazi Reza-Ul Hoque and Abu Taher Mohammad Saifur Rahman issued a suo moto order on Thursday taking cognizance of news reports on the incident.
 
The High Court also issued a rule asking why punitive steps should not be taken for negligence of duty and failure to ensure security against those entrusted with the responsibility of providing   security during the celebration.
 
The home secretary, IGP, Dhaka University VC, Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner, its deputy commissioner for Ramna zone and Shahbagh Police Station OC were asked to respond to the ruling within four weeks.
 
Deputy Attorney General Taposh Kumar Biswas said the court set May 17 for the next order on the issue.
 
On Tuesday, a group of youths sexually harassed women in a crowd in front of the TSC and Suhrawardy Udyan gates during the Pahela Baishakh celebration.
  
Dhaka University unit chief of Students Union Liton Nandi fractured his arm while trying to stop the assaulters.
 
Various students and women’s organisations have been protesting against the incident.
 
They allege university authorities and police are trying to avoid taking responsibility for the incident.