Dhaka University suspends student for 6 months over ‘gang rape’ threat

Authorities say his suspension is effective immediately, stressing that such conduct violates the university’s disciplinary code

Dhaka University has suspended sociology student Ali Hossain for six months after he threatened a female candidate in the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election with “gang rape” in a Facebook post.

University authorities confirmed that the allegation against the student had also been forwarded to the institution’s Sexual Harassment Committee for further review.

“This is the maximum punishment within the proctor’s jurisdiction under the University Order,” the administration said in a statement on Wednesday.

The decision was made in line with the recommendations of a proctorial probe committee, according to the statement.

The panel, headed by Assistant Proctor Muhammad Mahbub Kaiser, was formed after multiple complaints were lodged against Ali, a student of the Sociology Department’s 2020–2021 session and a resident of Shahid Sergeant Zahurul Huq Hall.

The controversy stems from a Facebook post Ali made on Monday about BM Fahmida Alam, a candidate for Liberation War and Democratic Movement Committee secretary from the “Oporajeyo 71, Odommo 24” panel, after she filed a High Court petition challenging the candidacy of SM Farhad.

She alleged Farhad was listed in a Bangladesh Chhatra League committee until Aug 5, yet became a nominee of the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed alliance.

The High Court suspended the DUCSU polls until Oct 30 and ordered the university’s election tribunal to investigate Farhad’s eligibility. But following student protests, Dhaka University authorities appealed, and the Appellate Division’s chamber court stayed the order, clearing the way for elections.

Amid the dispute, Ali took to Facebook, suggesting Fahmida should face a “gang rape march” instead of protests against the High Court.

The post triggered outrage, with Chhatra Dal and several leftist student groups accusing him of being a Shibir activist.

The University Teachers’ Network also pressed for disciplinary action in a press conference, demanding strict punishment.

Authorities say his suspension is effective immediately and stressed that such conduct violates the university’s code of discipline.