Rajshahi University (RU) students erupted in protest on Wednesday night, demanding the permanent expulsion of a Chhatra Dal leader who allegedly made a derogatory Facebook comment referring to female students as "unpaid sex workers".
The protest was led by residents of July-36 Hall after Chhatra Dal's Shah Makhdum Hall unit Vice President Anisur Rahman Milon made the controversial remark on a Facebook post. The post was in reference to a recently withdrawn hall notice that had summoned 91 female students for returning to the hall after the designated time.
Angered by what they called a blatant act of cyberbullying and harassment, students gathered in front of the hall, chanting slogans like "Break the hands of eve-teasers", "What is the administration doing while women are being bullied?" and "Harassers have no place on this campus".
The protesting students placed three key demands before the university administration – permanent expulsion of Anisur Rahman Milon from the university and a public apology for his remark, formation of a cyberbullying prevention cell on campus, and legal action and accountability for individuals making offensive or misogynistic comments.
"This is 2025, yet women are still facing cyberbullying and verbal abuse," said Ratri, a student of the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies. "Many female students are now afraid of participating in campus activities, including elections. Earlier, students from Rahmatunnesa Hall were insulted, and now 91 students from our hall have been humiliated. The administration must set an example by taking strict action."
Following the backlash, the RU branch of Chhatra Dal issued a statement late Wednesday night, announcing the temporary suspension of Anisur Rahman Milon pending an investigation. A two-member probe committee has also been formed.
Speaking to the media, RU Proctor Mahbubur Rahman confirmed that the issue was under review. "We've discussed the incident. A show-cause notice will be issued to the accused student leader on Thursday," he said.
How it all started
On Monday night, the authorities of July-36 Hall issued a notice summoning 91 students for returning late to the dormitory. The move drew heavy criticism across campus and online. The hall authorities withdrew the notice the following day. However, it was a comment under a Facebook post about the incident that sparked the protests, where Anisur Rahman Milon allegedly referred to the female students as "unpaid sex workers".
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