SUST Forms Probe Panel Following Rape Allegation Against Students
A three-member investigation committee has been formed by Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) in response to the recent rape allegation involving a female student of the university. The committee is headed by Professor Mokhlesur Rahman, the university’s Proctor. Other members include Assistant Proctor Dr. Muhammad Saiful Islam and Professor Md. Belal Hossain Shikder.
According to an official order signed by Registrar Syed Salim Mohammad Abdul Kadir on Friday afternoon, June 20, the committee has been instructed to submit its report within the next three working days.
Proctor Mokhlesur Rahman stated, "The university administration will take necessary steps based on the committee’s findings."
Meanwhile, students of the university staged three separate protest marches and human chains at 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM, and 5:00 PM, demanding exemplary punishment for those involved.
During the 3:30 PM protest, Faisal Hossain, a student of the Sociology Department, said, “We had envisioned a rape-free Bangladesh after 2024. But it is with deep regret that I say—an institution that often speaks of women’s rights has now witnessed such a heinous act within its premises. This is not only shameful but also disgraceful. We demand the expulsion and maximum punishment for the rapist involved.”
According to the case statement, the incident occurred on the night of May 2 at a student mess in the city. The specific location mentioned is "Jannat Monjil Elahi B-9/2," a mess located in the Khuliapara area of Akhalia, under Ward-9 of Sylhet City Corporation.
The case alleges that the victim was gang-raped by multiple individuals, who also secretly filmed and photographed her in compromising situations. These materials were then reportedly distributed online and via mobile phones, allegedly with the intent to tarnish her social reputation.
Two students from SUST’s Sociology Department, Shanto Tara Adnan (third year) and Swagata Dash Partha, along with two to three unidentified individuals, were named as accused in the case. Both Adnan and Partha were arrested on Thursday night.
Earlier, on March 8, Adnan had been expelled from his university dormitory following a violent clash between two factions of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL). He is also reportedly a BCL activist and was an accused in a separate case concerning an attack on an anti-discrimination student movement.
Swagata Dash Partha, the second accused in the case, was the treasurer of the university's cultural organization "Dik Theatre." Following the recent developments, the organization announced on its official Facebook page that Partha has been removed from his post.
