Dhaka University professor sent to jail over ‘sexual harassment’

A Dhaka court has ordered authorities to send Dhaka University (DU) Chemistry Professor Ershad Halim to jail in a sexual harassment case initiated by a student.

Halim was arrested late on Thursday night at his Shewrapara residence by Mirpur Model Police.

On Friday, the investigating officer Sub-Inspector Mehedi Hasan Milon pleaded with Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mahbub Alam to let him interrogate Halim in custody.

Halim’s lawyer Shyamal Kumar Roy sought bail, arguing that his client was not involved in the incident, was being harassed, and that no evidence, such as a medical certificate, exists to support the claims.

He added that Halim was an old man and a victim of departmental politics.

According to the case filed, the student contacted Halim on Sept 26 over an examination-related issue.

Halim allegedly invited the student to his Shewrapara residence, where the student claims he was sexually harassed.

The next day, Halim reportedly called him to discuss the exam, arranging a test slot for the student.

The complaint said Halim called the student again, and due to the professor’s “homosexual behaviour”, the student initially refused to visit.

He later went on Oct 14, fearing his father’s health might worsen if the exam issue remained unresolved. The student alleges he was beaten and sexually assaulted.

DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed told bdnews24.com on Friday evening that a group of students had filed the complaint on Thursday.

 “We immediately suspended [Halim] from all academic duties, and the complaint has been sent to the Sexual Harassment Cell. Appropriate action will be taken following the investigation,” he said.