The administration of Jahangirnagar University (JU) has established a high-level, six-member inquiry committee to investigate harrowing allegations of physical and mental torture, including rape, involving a female student. In an immediate disciplinary response, the university has also moved to temporarily suspend all academic certificates of the accused, a former student of the institution.
Details of the Alleged Assault
The victim, a student within the Department of Public Administration, filed a formal complaint detailing a chilling sequence of events that occurred on 24 February. According to the statement, the accused—identified as SM Tarikul Islam, a former student of the 44th batch from the Institute of Information Technology (IIT)—allegedly intercepted the victim near the Bir Protik Taramon Bibi Hall at approximately 6:00 pm.
The complainant alleges that Tarikul Islam used intimidation to force her to a rented residence in the nearby Islamnagar area. Once there, he reportedly bound her limbs, gagged her, and subjected her to severe physical and psychological trauma, alongside sexual assault.
Administrative Response and Disciplinary Action
Following an emergency administrative meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan on Saturday afternoon, the university took decisive preliminary steps. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Pro-Vice-Chancellors for Education and Administration, the Treasurer, and the Proctor.
| Committee Member | Department / Role | Position in Probe |
| Prof. Mohammad Mafruhi Sattar | Dean, Faculty of Biological Sciences | Chairman |
| Prof. Dr Md. Sohel Rana | Department of Pharmacy | Member |
| Prof. Dr Khondakar M. Shariful Huda | Geography and Environment | Member |
| Prof. Dr Mirza Taslima Sultana | Department of Anthropology | Member |
| Prof. Dr Nasreen Sultana | Government and Politics | Member |
| Lutfur Rahman Arif | Deputy Registrar | Member Secretary |
Ensuring Victim Safety and Legal Recourse
Beyond the academic suspension of the accused’s undergraduate and postgraduate credentials, the university board has issued a directive to ensure the absolute safety of the complainant. The administration has formally requested the university’s internal security apparatus and state law enforcement agencies to provide the necessary protection and cooperation during the ongoing investigation.
The probe committee has been mandated to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a comprehensive report with specific recommendations for further action. This incident has sparked renewed conversations regarding campus safety and the efficacy of institutional safeguards against sexual violence.