BUP student raped on way back from tuition: Students boycott exams and protest

A student (22) of the International Relations Department of Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) has been accused of being raped on her way back from tuition. The university students have erupted in anger over the incident — they have boycotted exams and started protests and human chains and demanded the speedy arrest and exemplary punishment of the accused.

According to police and complaint sources, the three accused — Sohel Rosario, Biplob Rosario and Mithu Biswas — forcibly took the victim to a secluded place in Savar on her way back from tuition last Thursday and allegedly tried to rape/rape her. Later, it was alleged that the accused threatened the victim with death to keep the matter a secret.

After the incident, the victim bravely filed a rape case with Savar Police Station. Police officials have started a preliminary investigation into the incident. Police said that two people have already been arrested; however, the main accused is currently absconding. After the arrest, due process and investigation are underway and other information related to the case is being examined.

After the news of the incident spread on the BUP campus, students have started sit-in programs, protest marches and human chains since Saturday. The protesting students have demanded that the safety of the students be ensured, the accused be arrested quickly and their program will be extended if strict punishment is not ensured in court. A student said, “We want security, we want justice — such brutality will not be accepted.”

The officer-in-charge (OC) of Savar Police Station said, “The case has been accepted, two people have been detained. The operation to arrest the rest is ongoing; further legal action will be taken after the investigation.” They emphasized the protection of the victim and speedy investigation as well as the collection of evidence.

Teachers and guardians strongly condemned the incident and demanded a speedy and transparent trial in accordance with the law, so that such crimes against students can be prevented from happening again in the future.

Updates will be provided as soon as more details regarding the scene and investigation are available; in the meantime, the students have announced that their agitation will continue and have indicated that they will continue their program peacefully until they receive fair justice.