Attempted Rape of JU Student Near Abandoned Hall Sparks Outrage

A female student of Jahangirnagar University (JU) was reportedly subjected to a brutal attempted rape while returning to her dormitory late Tuesday night. The incident occurred around 11:00 PM near the abandoned Old Fazilatunnesa Hall area.

The victim was rescued by passersby and rushed to the university’s medical center for primary care. While CCTV footage has captured a suspect in the vicinity, the university administration has yet to formally identify the individual.

According to fellow students present at the security office, the victim was walking toward her hall when a man began following her. Near the Old Fazilatunnesa Hall road, the man approached her and struck up a conversation. When the student questioned if he was from the campus, the accused claimed to be a student of the 48th batch living in the nearby Bishmile area.

At one point, the assailant allegedly wrapped a piece of cloth (a net) around the student’s neck and dragged her into a dark, secluded spot. After a struggle lasting nearly two minutes, the student managed to break free and reach the main road, where other students assisted her.

University Proctector Professor AKM Rashidul Alam described the event as "heinous" and confirmed that CCTV footage is being rigorously reviewed. "We have spotted the accused in the footage, but his identity is not yet clear. We are hopeful that other cameras on campus will provide a sharper image," he stated, adding that the administration is preparing to take swift legal action.

Mazharul Islam, General Secretary (GS) of the Jahangirnagar University Central Student Union (JUCSU), took to social media to provide harrowing details. He noted that the perpetrator’s shoes and the net used in the assault were recovered from the scene. Ashulia Police have already visited the site and are working with the university to file a formal case.

The incident has triggered a wave of anger among the student body regarding campus safety. The JUCSU GS slammed the administration for its "shameless negligence" toward security reforms.

"We have long demanded reforms to the fragile security system, control over the free entry of outsiders, and the recruitment of manpower to fill the 50% staff shortage in the security wing. This shameful incident is the result of the administration keeping student safety on the back burner." — Mazharul Islam, GS, JUCSU

Student leaders have issued an ultimatum, stating that unless the perpetrator is arrested immediately and the campus security apparatus is completely overhauled, they will move toward an administrative deadlock. Currently, the victim is receiving support from the administration as police continue their investigation using available technology to track the suspect.