Dhaka University (DU) has expelled a student, Ali Hossain of the Sociology Department, after he threatened a female candidate in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election with gang rape.
Hossain, a fourth-year student and resident of Shahid Sergeant Zahurul Haq Hall, made the threats in a Facebook post targeting BM Fahmida Alam, a candidate from the left alliance panel who had filed a writ petition challenging the candidacy of Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed general secretary contender SM Farhad.
Confirming the decision on Wednesday, the university’s acting director of public relations, Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, said Hossain has been expelled for six months following the recommendations of a probe committee.
According to the public relations office, the student was found guilty of using vulgar and threatening language. The university’s proctorial inquiry committee recommended his expulsion, which represents the highest level of punishment the proctor is authorized to impose under the university order.
The complaint against Hossain has also been forwarded to the university’s sexual harassment committee for further review.
The threats sparked widespread outrage on campus, with the Dhaka University Teachers’ Network demanding exemplary punishment. Even the Shibir panel’s own general secretary candidate, SM Farhad, filed a written complaint with the university proctor seeking action against Hossain.
