Dhaka University Considers New Rules on Student Conduct After Incidents
Allegations of homosexual acts inside two halls at the University of Dhaka have caused significant debate. These incidents happened recently at Surja Sen Hall and Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall. The university administration is now thinking about new rules. These rules would clearly state disciplinary actions for such cases.
On July 30, the first incident came to light at Surja Sen Hall. Hall officials said a student brought an outsider to a room. They reportedly engaged in homosexual activity. Students detained the visitor. Both were given to Shahbagh Police Station by hall authorities. The residential student lost his hall seat immediately. He was also permanently expelled from the residence.
Surja Sen Hall Provost Rafiqul Islam explained the decision. He said university rules allow a provost to expel a student for “moral misconduct.” He believes homosexuality fits this description.
A second incident happened on August 1 at Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall. Two guests in a student’s room were accused of similar acts. The room belonged to Ibrahim Khalil, an Assistant General Secretary of Islami Chhatra Shibir. A video about this incident later appeared on social media. The video showed two young men admitting and apologizing for their conduct.
The hall administration temporarily cancelled Ibrahim Khalil’s seat. They also formed an investigation committee. Mr. Khalil said the incident happened in his room. However, he claimed he did not know about it beforehand. During the investigation, clashes broke out at the provost’s office. This involved activists from Islami Chhatra Shibir and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal.
Dhaka University’s existing rules do not specifically name homosexuality as a disciplinary offense. The University of Dhaka Order, 1973, also does not list a specific punishment for it. People familiar with the university say these issues were not common before. Therefore, they were not included in the disciplinary code.
However, the university can investigate general misconduct. They can take action for things that disrupt campus life or break hall rules. If proven, punishments can include warnings or expulsion. This could mean leaving a hall or the university temporarily or permanently.
Bangladesh’s Penal Code, Section 377, makes “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” a crime. This falls under court jurisdiction.
Following these two events, the University of Dhaka is working on a new policy. Vice-Chancellor ABM Obaidul Islam and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Mohammed Almujaddade Alfasane confirmed this. The Vice-Chancellor said current rules lack specific provisions. He stated a dedicated policy will be created in the future. This will provide clear guidelines for such situations.
