BRAC University Student Alleges Sexual Harassment by Professor, Angered by Lack of Action

A female student at BRAC University has accused Muhammad Intisar Alam, an associate professor in the Marketing Department and also affiliated with Dhaka University, of sexual harassment during an exam.

The victim filed a formal complaint with the university administration on September 20, but no visible action has been taken against the accused, prompting outrage and a public post on social media.

The student claims that on September 20, during an exam, Alam seized her personal phone and, under the pretext of explaining exam rules, unexpectedly touched her sensitive areas, describing it as “clear sexual harassment” that left her mentally traumatized.

She reported the incident to the administration the same day and filed a GD at the local police station, citing CCTV footage as evidence. On September 25, frustrated by the inaction after five days, she posted on Facebook, detailing the ordeal and calling for immediate measures.

In the post, another female student, commented, “This man (Intisar Alam) is truly pathetic. Every moment in his class is now regretful. His weird gestures and reckless speech made me uncomfortable, and his gaze toward girls was completely abnormal and unacceptable.”

Haldar also alleged Alam once asked an East West University student for premium perfume in exchange for higher marks.

Lawyer Shahinuzzaman from the human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) stated, “Such sensitive issues require an effective anti-sexual harassment committee at every university. We must verify if BRAC has one and whether it functions properly.” He added, “This isn’t just harassment; it’s a criminal offense. Occurring in a safe exam hall is not merely an institutional failure but a grave human rights violation. Authorities must ensure accountability and exemplary punishment to prevent recurrence.”

Attempts to contact accused professor Intisar Alam resulted in him saying he was at an exam center and would call later, but he did not respond to subsequent calls.

BRAC University’s Communications Deputy Manager Fatias Fahmid provided the administration’s response: “BRAC University treats any sexual harassment allegation with utmost seriousness. Upon receiving the complaint, it was immediately forwarded to the relevant committee for investigation. Until the probe concludes, further comments are inappropriate. The university is committed to just and transparent action.”

The incident has sparked discussions on campus safety, with students demanding swift resolution amid BRAC’s SHEBREC (Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, Bullying, and Ragging Elimination Committee) guidelines, established per High Court directives.