Kushtia:Nearly 80 percent of students at the Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia are without residential accommodation, compelling many to live off campus where several female students have reported harassment by outsiders.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the university, established with the intent to provide residential facilities for all students, has struggled to meet this goal even after 47 years. IU currently has 19,669 students, yet its residential halls can only accommodate 3,973, leaving nearly 16,000 students without housing.
The university comprises 11,889 male and 7,780 female students across 36 departments under nine faculties, with five residential halls for men and three for women. Its location, about 24 kilometers from Kushtia town and 22 kilometers from Jhenaidah town, adds to the students' commuting challenges.
Many students endure long daily commutes for classes and exams, while others reside in rented accommodations near the campus. Female students face additional difficulties, including overcrowded residential halls, shared beds, and compromised personal space, which affect their sleep and studies.
Safety concerns are prevalent for those living off campus, particularly while traveling to and from the university. Several female students have alleged sexual harassment in various locations, including the campus, local buses, and nearby markets. Fear, social stigma, and difficulties in identifying perpetrators deter many victims from filing formal complaints.
A student from the Department of Folklore and Social Studies reported unwanted touching by outsiders on local buses. Another from the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science described being harassed on campus one evening.
Jinnat Maliat Sima, a student from the Department of Folklore and Social Studies, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the university's Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee and advised victims against approaching it. In response, committee member Prof Dr Hamida Khatun highlighted several awareness initiatives undertaken by the committee.
IU Proctor Prof Dr Shahinuzzaman assured that the administration is committed to addressing harassment incidents and will take action upon receiving written complaints. Provost Council President Prof Dr Aynul Haque Akand stated efforts are underway to resolve the housing crisis.
Student Adviser Prof Dr Mamun Al Rashid affirmed his willingness to support students in reporting incidents, vowing to take necessary action in collaboration with the Vice-Chancellor. However, IU Vice-Chancellor Prof AKM Motinur Rahman was unavailable for comment.
Construction of new residential halls is expected to be completed soon, which students hope will alleviate the accommodation shortage. Nonetheless, some students argue that additional measures, such as safer transport options for female students and increased security on isolated roads, are necessary to enhance safety and security.