A female student of Rajshahi University has brought allegations of sexual harassment against a PhD candidate at the university’s Institute of Bangladesh Studies (IBS).
The victim, an MBA student, recently submitted a written allegation to the RU Vice-Chancellor Prof Muhammad Mizanuddin, Pro-VC Prof Chowdhury Sarowar Jahan and to IBS Director Prof Shahidullah. The accused was identified as Sayeed Hossain.
In the written statement, the victim claimed that after meeting in 2012, the two developed a relationship which led Sayeed to manipulate her into converting her religion from Hindu to Islam.
“Sayeed promised to marry me and engaged in physical relations, but later he left me,” the victim said.
“Ever since I wanted to submit allegations against Sayeed, he had been threatening me with releasing video clips of our sexual encounters,” the victim added.
Last Ramadan, the victim also filed a general diary with Motihar police station regarding Sayeed’s threats.
Seeking exemplary punishment to Sayeed, the victim said “Now I am leading a helpless and detached life from my family members as I converted to Islam after being induced by Sayeed.”
When contacted, Sayeed however denied the allegations.
Claiming himself as a married person, the accused told journalists that the female student was exploiting their friendship to bring false allegations against him.