UTL Condemns Hateful Remarks Against Female Students, Calls for Action

The University Teachers Link (UTL) has issued a strong condemnation of the ongoing derogatory and offensive remarks targeting female students, particularly those wearing hijabs, on social media platforms amid the upcoming student union elections in several public universities, including the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU). The organization has labeled these actions as a direct contradiction to the spirit of the July 2024 uprising.

In a joint statement released on Wednesday, September 3, UTL Convener Professor Md Ataur Rahman Biswas and Member Secretary Professor Dr Mohammad Billal Hossain expressed deep concern over the issue. They highlighted that a specific group has been persistently engaging in cyberbullying and making hateful, degrading comments against female candidates and their supporters, undermining their dignity and freedom.

“We are deeply troubled by the continuous cyberbullying targeting female candidates, particularly those wearing hijabs, in various campuses,” the statement read. “Such offensive attitudes are not only alarming but also raise serious concerns about the safety of female students. Regrettably, some are attempting to exploit these attacks for political purposes. We urge all parties to refrain from such actions.”

The UTL emphasized that these remarks clash with the values of equality and respect championed during the July 2024 uprising, which galvanized calls for justice and democratic principles across the nation.

The organization has called for immediate legal action against those responsible for the cyberbullying and attempts to demean female students. “We demand that university authorities and the government promptly take legal measures against those who are trying to tarnish the dignity of female students through cyberbullying and social harassment,” the statement added.

The UTL also expressed concern over what it described as a “conspiracy” by certain groups to disrupt the student union elections, which have revitalized a festive and democratic atmosphere on campuses after years of dormancy. The organization urged university administrations and pro-democracy students to remain steadfast in ensuring the DUCSU elections proceed as planned, despite challenges, to uphold a fair democratic process on campus.

Furthermore, the UTL called for those attempting to dishonor female students to be brought to justice, emphasizing the need to ensure accountability. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the DUCSU election process, expressing hope that Dhaka University will emerge as a beacon of democratic practice.

The statement concluded with a call for unity to safeguard the democratic environment on campuses and to protect the rights and dignity of all students, particularly women, in the lead-up to the elections.