Controversial post on rape: Chittagong University stirs up row over Shibir panel's Akash Das

Akash Das, who was elected as a member of the Chittagong University (CU) Central Students' Union (CHACSU) elections from the 'Sampritir Oikya' panel supported by Islami Chhatra Shibir, has come under intense criticism for a controversial post he made on social media.

Although the oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected members was scheduled for Thursday after the gazette was published on Wednesday (October 22), a storm of anger and protest erupted on various online platforms of the university over Akash Das' comments.

Recently, Akash Das wrote on his Facebook ID about a rape incident at BUET—

“Girls use rape as a shield to frame boys. If the boy is guilty, then I demand his punishment, but if the boy is 70% at fault, then the girl is also 30% at fault. Maybe the girl framed the boy because she didn’t like what she wanted. There is no law against male violence in our country. Everyone is unilaterally blaming the boy. However, if you investigate, you will see that the girl is more at fault than the boy. The number of boys who forcibly rape is very small. A girl cannot be forcibly taken from her home and raped unless she is interested.”

As soon as this statement spread on social media, there was a strong reaction among the students. Many commented, “A person with such a mentality cannot be a representative of the university.”

Several students of the university said that they would demand the cancellation of Akash Das’ Chaksu membership. Already, there have been demands for his expulsion from the Chhatra League and progressive student organizations.

After facing criticism, Akash Das said in a new post on his Facebook profile—

“I made the post while I was sick and mentally confused. This is not my personal opinion. If anyone has been hurt by it, I am sincerely sorry.”

It is worth noting that Akash Das is a student of traditional religion and visually impaired. He came into the discussion by participating in the Chaksu election from the “Sampritir Oikya” panel supported by Islami Chhatra Shibir.

However, after his controversial comments, questions have arisen about his future membership in Chittagong University. No official response has been received from the administration on this matter yet.