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Published : 16 May 2026, 02:25 PM
Jahangirnagar University students have locked the proctor’s office and declared him “unwanted” after a 48-hour deadline to arrest a suspect over an alleged attempted rape expired without results.
At 10am on Saturday, protesting students held a press conference in front of the vice-chancellor’s residence, alleging that the administration had taken no effective steps despite the ultimatum.
They accused authorities of concealing information, failing to arrest the suspect and repeatedly breaking assurances, calling it evidence of “severe failure and dishonesty”.
Around 10:30am, demonstrators marched from the VC residence and locked the office of Proctor Prof Rashidul Alam, declaring him “persona non grata” on campus.
They also announced plans to lock the Registrar’s Building on Sunday and said the movement would continue until the suspect is arrested and the proctorial body resigns.
The incident dates back to Tuesday night, when a female student was allegedly dragged into nearby bushes near old Fazilatunnesa Hall and subjected to an “attempted rape and attempted murder”.
A case was filed with Ashulia Police on Wednesday against unidentified individuals.
Following the incident, students issued a 48-hour ultimatum for arrest and later demanded the proctor’s resignation if it was not met.
Their demands also include swift arrest and trial, enhanced campus security, recruitment of female security personnel, formation of a quick response team and implementation of cyber protection laws.
Late Friday night, students held a procession from Taramon Bibi Hall that moved through female halls before gathering at the VC residence, where they continued their sit-in.
They renewed calls for the resignation of the proctorial body, accusing it of failing to ensure campus safety and losing “moral authority”.
History student Lamisha Zaman said female students from different halls met for a two-hour discussion on safety concerns and the ongoing crisis, adding that years of unresolved incidents had led to consensus on the resignation demand.
During the overnight protest, Vice-Chancellor Prof Kamrul Ahsan met students around 2:30am, leading to a tense exchange.
He said internal crimes were handled by the proctorial body while external crimes fall under police jurisdiction, and suggested forming an inquiry committee instead of immediate resignation.
Students rejected the proposal and continued their sit-in.
On Saturday afternoon, a university security official confirmed the proctor’s office remained locked.
Later, Proctor Rashidul arrived at his office but did not enter, saying he expected law enforcement to arrest the suspect soon and ensure maximum punishment.
