Teachers and students of Dhaka University yesterday formed a human chain at Aparejeyo Bangla and demanded exemplary punishment to an army major who allegedly tortured his wife, a student of the university, for dowry.
Nusrat Zahan Tushti, a first semester MBA student of management department, has been under treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital since Monday night with severe injuries. Her family members and classmates claimed that she was brutally tortured by her husband and in-laws for dowry on Monday in Tangail.
Nurul Islam, father of Nusrat, told the Dhaka Tribune that accused Maj Nazir Uddin had been asking for dowry since their wedding. He and Nusrat were married in 2013 and have a 13-month-old boy.
When informed by her daughter, Nurul Islam along with his wife and son went to Tangail and rescued her daughter on Monday. “They even beat us while we tried to protect Nusrat,” he added.
The Dhaka Tribune contacted Maj Nazir Uddin on his personal mobile phone for his comment yesterday evening but a barrack officer received the call and said he was not available.
Nusrat’s family members said a few high officials of Bangladesh Army had gone to the DMCH on Tuesday and regretted the incident. They said the major would be brought to Dhaka for thorough investigation and steps would be taken promptly. The army officials also offered all necessary assistance regarding Nusrat’s treatment and that she could be transferred to CMH if necessary.
Nurul Islam added that when the family went to Kalihati police station in Tangail on Tuesday the duty officer refused to register a case. The police, however, agreed later when the news started circulating in the media. But then the father refused to file the case with the police.
Students and teachers led by DU management department Chairman Professor Ataur Rahman submitted a memorandum to the vice-chancellor regarding their demand and held a press conference.
DU Vice-Chancellor Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique expressed great dissatisfaction and said: “DU will support the victim with all due necessaries.”
