Inquiry Commission of BAU urges students to submit complaints

The university administration has started the trial process of torture, sexual harassment, ragging, eve-teasing, guest room torture, seat trading, and extortion that happened in Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) in the last fifteen and a half years.

The procedure of filing complaints from students by filling out the complaint form is starting today. Students can also complain online from tomorrow.

The inquiry commission has issued a circular asking the students to cooperate in the complaint process, assuring them of a fair trial.

According to the notification, the inquiry commission has called upon the students to file complaints for a fair trial of all injustices including physical and mental torture, sexual harassment, ragging, eve-teasing, guest room torture, seat trading, and extortion during the regime of the dictatorial government.

Students studying at the university during the last fifteen and a half years can file this complaint. Students can fill up the online form on the university website, download the complaint letter form, and fill out manually or directly handwrite the form and submit it to the specific complaint box placed in front of the administration building, student affairs department, and central library.

Through the notification, the members of the inquiry commission have also assured to protect the identity and overall privacy of the complainant students.

Besides, a request has been made to file a complaint with the Commission of Inquiry by filling out the prescribed form by November 10 to identify the accused person/persons and recommend punishment.

The Member Secretary of the Commission of Inquiry, Prof. Dr. Md. Asaduzzaman Sarker stated that if students are found guilty, they will be recommended for appropriate punishment.

Depending on the severity of the offense, the student's enrollment may be canceled, suspended, or they may even be expelled.

The commission of inquiry will also recommend to the administration to pursue criminal proceedings, including the cancellation of the student's certificate if the offender also leaves the institution.

Additionally, the commission will have a panel of lawyers to provide advice on the matter, and if necessary, proceed with criminal charges.

"Regarding complaints from former students who have graduated and are now working or living abroad, those students can submit their complaints or evidence online without having to come to the campus in person. If the accused individual is a former student of the university, appropriate action will be taken, such as revoking their certificate or sending a notice to their workplace," he said.