The students of Jagannath University (JnU) on Saturday seized 12 buses of Victor Classic paribahan protesting the incident of harassment of a female student.
These buses were stopped in front of the main gate of the university in Sadarghat area in the afternoon.
Based on the allegations, the university administration met with the owners of Victor Classic buses. Present at that time were representatives from Victor Classic, including Mohammad Dulal and Shah Alam Gopal, among others.
When informed about the incident, they promised to take swift action. They also provided a written undertaking to the proctor, requesting three days' time.
After accepting the undertaking, the Victor Classic buses were released.
Students reported that on October 14, JnU student Isnain Jannat Esha was harassed during a dispute over fare in Gulistan.
After sharing the details of the incident on Facebook, it quickly spread, igniting anger among students.
On Facebook, Jannat Esha wrote: "On October 14, I boarded a Victor Classic bus from Notun Bazar (Banshatala) with my younger sister. A while later, when the helper came to collect the fare, I paid Tk60 for the fare to Sadarghat, mentioning that I would get off at the last stoppage. He claimed that it would go to Gulistan. When I asked for my money back, the argument started. According to him, the fare from Notun Bazar to Gulistan or Sadarghat is the same."
She continued: "I said I am a student and should get a half fare. They claimed they didn't have a system for half fares. I then pointed out that getting off in Gulistan and taking another Victor would cost Tk10 per person. I asked for my money back, reminding them that I’m a student of JnU. The driver then said: ‘They are causing a lot of trouble, throw them off.’"
Esha further mentioned: “I shouted to keep half rent or to keep the fare to Gulistan at Tk20. Later, a man in the front said, that's right, you deduct the student fee, otherwise give the money back. Later, the helper returned Tk10 amid protest of other passengers.”
Despite identifying herself as a student, Esha questioned why she faced harassment. She noted that while the bus was supposed to go to Gulistan, many passengers were getting off due to traffic near the JPO, so she also decided to get off since she was with her younger sister.
Mohammad Saleh Uddin, assistant proctor of JnU said: "As soon as we heard about the incident, we called the bus owners. This is not the first time that students have been harassed in the bus, it has happened before. We are taking this matter seriously so that no other student faces this incident in the future.”
"We have spoken to the bus owner. And they have been given three days. If they do not present the accused helper, all the buses of Victor Classic will be stopped. And that helper will be prosecuted administratively under the law."