RU Female Students Protest Against Chatra Dal Leader's Derogatory Remarks

Female students of Rajshahi University's (RU) July 36 Hall staged a late-night protest on Wednesday demanding the permanent expulsion of a Chatra Dal leader for allegedly referring to them as "unpaid sex workers" in a social media comment. The demonstration, which began around 10:30 PM in front of the hall, highlighted growing concerns over cyberbullying and harassment on campus.

Chanting slogans such as "Break the black hands of eve-teasers, crush them," "What is the administration doing while women are being bullied?" and "No place for eve-teasers on this campus," the protesters presented a three-point demand charter. These included the permanent expulsion of Anisur Rahman Milan, cancellation of his nomination papers, and a public apology; the formation of a cyberbullying cell; and ensuring accountability for all individuals involved in indecent comments on Facebook.

Anisur Rahman Milan, vice-president of the university's Shah Makhdum Hall branch of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chatra Dal, faced the allegations after a comment from his Facebook account targeted 91 female students who had been summoned by the hall authorities for returning after 11 PM on Monday. The hall administration withdrew the notice on Tuesday following widespread criticism.

In response, the university branch of Chatra Dal issued a press release late Wednesday announcing the temporary suspension of Milan's position pending an investigation. A two-member probe committee, comprising senior vice-president Shakilur Rahman and senior joint general secretary Shafiqul Islam, has been formed to verify the claims.

Chatra Dal's university branch president, Sultan Ahmed Rahi, told reporters, "We have initially questioned him, and he claims his account was not under his control. Such actions are unacceptable in an organizational role. If the allegations are proven, he will be expelled for life from Chatra Dal, and we will recommend disciplinary action by the university administration."

RU Proctor Prof Dr Mahbubur Rahman confirmed that discussions on the matter had taken place, adding, "A show-cause notice will be issued to the leader tomorrow by the proctorial body."

The incident has sparked further outrage, with female students across the campus announcing a joint protest at 11:00 AM on Thursday at Paris Road. The Student Rights Association and Sochchar have also called for demonstrations at the same time to demand Milan's expulsion and stricter measures against harassment.

The controversy traces back to Monday when the July 36 Hall authorities issued a notice to the 91 students for violating curfew rules. A screenshot of the notice went viral on social media, drawing sharp backlash. The administration retracted it the next day, citing unavoidable circumstances. It was in the comments section of a related Facebook post that the derogatory remark appeared from Milan's account, intensifying calls for action against misogynistic behavior on campus.

University officials have assured that the matter will be handled promptly, amid growing demands for a safer environment for female students.