Students of Dhaka University’s Theatre and Performance Studies Department formed a human chain on Tuesday at the base of the Aparajeyo Bangla sculpture, demanding punishment for those responsible for the death of their fellow student, Munira Mahjabin Mimo, while faculty members stood in solidarity.
At the event, Ducsu Executive Member Hema Chakma said that although every department and faculty is supposed to have a cell to prevent sexual harassment, these bodies often become inactive after an initial complaint is filed and an investigation committee is formed.
“If there’s no follow-up, there’s no point in having these cells at all,” she said.
She added: “I believe regular students and their representatives should have a seat in these cells so that when complaints are filed and investigations carried out, students can see justice being done. Our sister gave her life pointing to a broken system—we want proper justice. We want the person she named in her suicide note to face consequences, and the university administration must take a firm stand.”
Department Chairperson Kazi Tamanna Haque Sigma said: “The students’ demands are our demands too. We have taken every step within our power at the departmental level. The matter has been brought to the attention of the Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor. Accused teacher Dr Sudip Chakraborty has been relieved of his departmental duties. We stand fully behind the demands raised by the students.”
A student of the department, Ania Akter, said Mimo’s untimely death was a heartbreaking consequence of a long-standing culture of personal and psychological abuse by certain teachers. She called on the university administration to ensure a fair and impartial investigation and guarantee a safe academic environment on campus.
Master’s second-semester student Rafiul Rocky then presented a list of demands on behalf of the students. These included a clear stance on accused teachers Sudip Chakraborty and Umme Hani, continuation of the boycott of classes and exams until concrete action is taken, and the permanent dismissal of Sudip Chakraborty from Dhaka University on charges of moral misconduct and abetment of suicide.
The students also demanded an end to psychological and physical abuse, manipulation through grades and job promises, and intimidation, along with provisions for immediate dismissal upon proven misconduct. They called on the university to bear full legal costs of the case while allowing Mimo’s family to lead it, ensure no pressure is applied to withdraw the case, and guarantee the harshest punishment for those found guilty, including Umme Hani.
They further demanded policies to prevent unsolicited contact between teachers and students outside academic matters, with greater transparency and accountability in teacher evaluations, and a ban on issuing any No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for foreign travel to the accused teacher until the judicial process is complete.
Following the human chain, a protest march began from the Arts Building gate and ended with the submission of memoranda to the Vice-Chancellor and the Proctor.