Screenshots, Social Strife: DUCSU Candidate Zuma Alleges Threats

Fatima Tasnim Zuma, a candidate for the post of Secretary for Liberation War and Democratic Movements under the United Student Unity panel supported by Islami Chhatra Shibir in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections, has claimed to have collected 694 screenshots of rape threats and harassment circulated on social media.

Zuma accused leaders and activists from Chhatra Dal, Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatro Songshad (BAGCHAS), leftist groups, and the Awami League of issuing these threats. She made the allegations in a Facebook post on Monday night.

Sharing some of the screenshots, Zuma wrote, “Should I post the 694 screenshots selectively to throw in the faces of these protesters, or should I provide a drive link? Advice needed. And those who say ‘gang-rape is a bad word’… I will expose their hypocrisy.”

She added, “I once spoke with Umama Fatema Apa about discussing women’s issues collectively with all panels and taking legal action. There was no interest shown. I contacted Mayed Bhai to know where complaints against his party could be addressed. He says he’s unaware of any misconduct. I want justice for Fahmida, just as I have sought for Monsura, Seema, Emi, and Umama in the past. I also demand accountability for those who indirectly supported the injustices done to me.”

Zuma further stated that she possesses over 600 screenshots in which Chhatra Dal and BAGCHAS leaders allegedly issued threats of rape and murder against her, and obscene videos were created targeting her. “Today it is urgent to protest threats against a female candidate of gang rape. But if that happens, why should my incidents be ignored? That is my question,” she said.

Earlier in the afternoon, BM Fahmida Alam, candidate for the Secretary of Liberation War and Democratic Movements from the left-leaning “Aporajeyo 71” and “Adommo 24” panels, had reportedly received gang-rape threats on Facebook from a DU student named Ali Hossain over a writ petition concerning the eligibility of S.M. Farhad’s candidacy for DUCSU General Secretary. The post went viral, prompting claims from Chhatra Dal and other leftist groups that Ali was politically aligned with Chhatra Shibir, demanding his punishment. Chhatra Shibir, however, denied any connection, calling the allegations propaganda.

In response to the public debate, Ali also went live on Facebook, asserting, “I am not affiliated with any political group.”