Rajshahi University withdraws late entry notice for 91 female students amid backlash

The provost of Rajshahi University's July-36 hall has withdrawn a summons notice issued for 91 female students following criticism on social media. 

The notice signed by Provost Prof Lovely Nahar was issued on Monday night, saying female students listed with serial numbers 1 to 45 who entered the hall after 11pm would have to appear at her office at 4pm on Sept 9, and those with serial numbers 46 to 91 at the same time on Sept 10.

The hall authorities later posted a notice announcing the withdrawal on Tuesday afternoon after facing backlash.

The notice received mixed reactions from students. Some considered it a necessary step for security, while others slated it as "unreasonable" and "discriminatory”.

Rafia Islam Toma, a resident student of the hall, said: "After the notice was posted, people are saying all sorts of things about those of us whose names are on the list. Our personal information was disclosed through a notice in the name of our security. 

“RUCSU election is coming up; if we can understand the issues that can arise from this, why can't the administration?"

RUCSU AGS candidate Shah Paran wrote on Facebook, "We also return to the hall late at night. Will a notice be posted for us, too? If not, why is there one law for one and a different law for another?"

Prof Lovely said, "We issued the notice with the purpose of talking, based on the advice of a committee. However, since the issue is currently being criticised, we have withdrawn the notice. We sincerely apologise for the problems the students are facing because of the notice."

According to university regulations, female students must enter their halls by 8pm. If someone returns to the hall after the designated time, they must write the reason in the entry log with the duty officer or guard.