M’singh medical college students postpone demo
Mymensingh Medical College students, who had been demonstrating since Thursday protesting authorities’ inaction regarding alleged sexual harassment of a female student by an outsider, have postponed their agitation till June 30.
They took the decision after a four-hour meeting with the college authorities yesterday.
“The administration pledged to fulfil our 11-point demand by June 30,” said Shehabul Hasib, a fifth-year student. He said their demands include ensuring security for students on the campus and arresting the person responsible for harassing the female student.
Earlier in the day, students staged a sit-in in front of the academic building. “Even though it was a holiday, we gathered here to realise our demands,” said Md Robiul Islam, a fifth-year student. “We don’t want outsiders entering the campus or hostels,” he added.
Besides students and college authorities, the meeting, held in the afternoon, was also attended by police and local administration. Principal Prof Anwar Hossain chaired the meeting.
Talking to this correspondent, many students expressed skepticism over the matter. They alleged that the authorities often make pledges but do not follow through. They threatened tougher movement if their demands are not met.
WHAT HAPPENED?
On May 15, a miscreant made indecent gestures at a second-year student, while she was returning to her hostel in the afternoon.
Immediately afterwards, the girl and other students notified the hostel superintendent and the principal about the matter. The hostel superintendent failed to take appropriate actions and instead asked students to conceal the matter, the protesters alleged.
Refuting the students’ allegation, the principal said authorities are taking necessary steps to strengthen security on campus.
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