DU Student Expelled for Six Months Over Rape Threat, Faces Further Action

Dhaka University has expelled a student for six months after he issued a rape threat against B M Fahmida Alam, a candidate for the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election under the left alliance’s panel for the post of Liberation War and Democratic Movement Affairs Secretary. The university announced the decision in a press release on Wednesday, identifying the student as Ali Hossain, a 2020-21 session student from the Sociology Department.

The six-month expulsion, effective immediately, is the maximum penalty within the authority of the university’s Proctor, as confirmed by Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed, the Proctor of Dhaka University. He told The Daily Campus that the allegations against Ali Hossain have been forwarded to the university’s Sexual Harassment Prevention Committee for further investigation. “The six-month suspension is the maximum penalty the Proctor can impose. However, this is not the final punishment. The committee’s findings will determine if additional measures are warranted,” he said.

According to the university’s statement, Ali Hossain, bearing class roll number 54 and registration number 2020212768, is a resident of Shahid Sergeant Zahurul Haque Hall. The decision to expel him was based on recommendations from a Proctorial Fact-Finding Committee, which investigated the incident. The press release emphasized that the penalty was imposed under the university’s ordinances, marking it as the highest disciplinary action within the Proctor’s jurisdiction.

The incident stems from a Facebook post by Ali Hossain on Monday, where he shared a photo of the DUCSU candidate and wrote, “Instead of protesting against the High Court, we should first organize a march to gang-rape her (the petitioner)! Don’t act civilized by seeing these words; anyone supporting her deserves the same!” The inflammatory post quickly went viral on social media, sparking outrage among students and the wider community. Facing intense backlash, Ali Hossain later issued an apology via a Facebook Live session.

The university’s swift response has been met with approval from many quarters, though calls for stricter measures persist as the Sexual Harassment Prevention Committee continues its probe. The committee’s final recommendations, to be reviewed by the university’s Syndicate, could lead to further penalties, including a potential extension of the expulsion or additional disciplinary actions.

The incident has reignited discussions on campus about ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all students, particularly during the politically charged atmosphere of the DUCSU elections.