The Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka has condemned the attack on one of the faculty members Shehreen Amin Bhuiyan during the “March for Justice” program on the campus.
“We, the faculty members of the Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka, are deeply shocked and aggrieved to learn about a totally unacceptable incident that caused physical harm to and harassment of Shehreen Amin Bhuiyan, a lecturer at the Department of Public Administration,” the teachers said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
The statement is signed by Lailufar Yasmin, professor and chairperson of the Department of International Relations.
“Such kind of disgraceful occurrence involving a female faculty member on campus is highly deplorable and reprehensible. We strongly urge the competent authority to carry out an immediate and thorough investigation of this incident to ensure accountability and justice.
We request the concerned authority to guarantee that such unfortunate incidents will not recur on the campus and also to create an environment where everybody feels safe and fearless,” the statement adds.
On Wednesday, Shehreen Amin Bhuiyan said: “When the police tried to apprehend a student, I intervened, asking what his crime was and insisting they check in front of us. However, the police did not listen and used force. A policeman twisted my arm and tried to take the student away. I fell while trying to stop them again. Although I felt some pain in my knee, the twisting of my arm caused more discomfort. I don't have the energy to go into further details.”
The altercation occurred between Doel Chattor and the High Court area, where a confrontation arose when the teacher stopped the police from taking a student.
The police officer, using physical force, twisted the teacher's arm and attempted to drag the student away. In the scuffle, the teacher was pushed and sustained injuries to her hands, knees, and legs.
University Proctor Prof Dr Maksudur Rahman told Dhaka Tribune: "I just came to know about the matter. I take it seriously. Our assistant proctors are there. They're also monitoring things."
