Concern Over Sexual Harassment and Violence Against Women in Bangladesh: University Teachers’ Network Raises Five Demands

The University Teachers’ Network in Bangladesh has expressed grave concern over the rising incidents of sexual harassment, violence, hatred, and abuse against women. In a statement released on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the network highlighted five key demands to address these issues.

The statement said, “We are deeply concerned that incidents of sexual harassment, violence, and discrimination against women have been escalating in post-uprising Bangladesh. Women are being humiliated and subjected to micro-aggressions in various spheres of society. The undemocratic expulsion of nine female students from the University of Chittagong is a stark example of systematic oppression against women.”

The network criticized the Home Affairs Advisor for making misogynistic remarks and distorting religious and legal interpretations to justify such actions.

Key Incidents and Concerns:

1. Expulsion at University of Chittagong:
   The university expelled nine female students without proper investigation or the opportunity for self-defense, which the network views as a violation of due process.
2. Assault at Dhaka University:
   During a recent clash over the formation of a new student organization’s central committee, female students from private universities were allegedly sexually assaulted by members of the new organization.
3. Attack on Female Students in Lalmatia:
   The network condemned the attack on female students and demanded accountability for those responsible, along with the resignation of the Home Affairs Advisor for failing to maintain law and order.
4. Bus Rape Case:
   Following a reported robbery and rape on a Dhaka-Rajshahi night bus, authorities failed to resolve the case. Instead, misleading media coverage and contradictory statements from the Home Ministry attempted to downplay the incident.
5. Proposal to Rename Begum Rokeya University:
   The network strongly opposed any attempt to rename the university, which honors Begum Rokeya, a pioneer of women’s rights in Bengal.

The Five Demands:

1. Immediate Withdrawal of Expulsion Orders:
   The University of Chittagong must revoke the expulsion of nine female students, and an independent investigation should be conducted with representatives from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the students themselves.
2. Investigation of Assaults at Dhaka University:
   The university’s anti-sexual harassment cell must swiftly investigate the attacks on female students and ensure justice.
3. Accountability for Lalmatia Attack:
   Those responsible for the attacks in Lalmatia must be identified and punished. The Home Affairs Advisor should retract his controversial statements without any “ifs” or “buts.”
4. Justice for the Bus Rape Incident:
   The network condemned irresponsible journalism surrounding the incident and demanded a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
5. Preserve Begum Rokeya University’s Name:
   Any attempt to rename the university is unacceptable and should be immediately dismissed.

The University Teachers’ Network emphasized that failure to address these demands would hold the government and relevant authorities accountable for perpetuating violence and injustice against women.