The dream of studying at prestigious public universities is turning into a nightmare for many freshers, who are facing torture and ragging at the hands of senior students.
Despite choosing institutions like Dhaka University, Rajshahi University, and others for their reputation and quality education, new students often find themselves subjected to physical and mental abuse upon their arrival on campus.
Under the guise of introducing them to ‘campus culture,’ seniors force freshers to participate in humiliating activities, often late at night, in what’s known as ‘guestroom torture.’
Many of these acts are carried out by groups linked to student political wings. Those who resist or fail to comply face threats, beatings, and intimidation.
Monday night, a first-year student from Rajshahi University (RU) filed a formal complaint against two senior students, accusing them of subjecting him to a distressing act of ragging at his hostel in Lebubagan, Binodpur.
The victim, Mohammad Rocky, detailed in his complaint that the seniors forced him to make a distressing phone call to his mother, claiming it would be their final conversation. Rocky was told to ask for his mother’s forgiveness, according to reports by our RU correspondent.
The two accused have been identified as Nazmul Hossain Nabil, a student of the marketing department (session 2022-23), and Antor Biswas, from the same department (session 2019-20). The victim, Mohammad Rocky, is currently enrolled in the philosophy department (session 2023-24).
According to Rocky, the two seniors entered his room and began to interrogate him with uncomfortable and intrusive questions. As the situation escalated, the seniors threatened to take him to the university's guestroom, stating ominously, "We’ll escort you to the guestroom in the hall."
They then pressured Rocky, saying, “Call your mother one last time. Tell her it’s the final time you’ll be speaking to her and ask for her forgiveness if you’ve made any mistakes.”
The victim further alleged that the accused referenced the death of Abrar Fahad, asking, “Do you know how Abrar Fahad was killed?” When Rocky responded, “Yes, he was beaten to death,” the seniors threatened, “What would you do if we killed you the same way?”
They also threatened to involve the Chhatra Shibir and kill him if he refused to go to the hall’s guestroom.
Rocky immediately reported the incident to the university’s proctor office. In response, both the victim and the accused were called in for questioning in the presence of two assistant proctors, Professors Rafiqul Islam and Nasir Uddin, as well as Professor Mashihur Rahman from the Department of Marketing.
During the meeting, Nazmul Hossain Nabil admitted to being present but denied taking part in the harassment. On the other hand, Antor Biswas claimed that his conversation with Rocky was casual, meant to foster good relations, and that there was no ill intent.
When questioned about the mention of Abrar Fahad, Antor stated that he only used it as an example to say that ragging doesn’t occur as it once did. He also dismissed the allegation of threatening Rocky with the involvement of Chhatra Shibir, calling it false.
RU Proctor Mahbubur Rahman expressed deep concern over the incident, particularly since it took place right after the start of the new academic session. “As a teacher, we cannot support these issues in any way. We will try to ensure maximum punishment for the accused,” he stated.
The proctor’s office intends to forward the complaint to the marketing department's academic committee, which will submit its recommendations to the university’s disciplinary committee for appropriate action.
Earlier, on September 7, the RU proctor’s office issued a notice categorising ragging as a “social crime,” emphasizing its harmful impact on students’ mental health and the overall educational environment.
The notice warned that any student found engaging in ragging would face disciplinary action under university regulations.
Despite assurances from university authorities to curb ragging, the practice continues, with recent incidents highlighting their lack of control over residential halls. The ongoing accommodation crisis and lack of proper monitoring have only worsened the situation.
Educationists said for universities to maintain their status as centres of excellence, they must take strict action against ragging, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all students.
