DU chemistry prof accused of sexually harassing male students

The allegations were raised at a press conference held on Thursday night at the Dhaka University Journalists’ Association (DUJA) office, where students demanded the professor’s permanent expulsion and the highest punishment under the law.

The university authorities have already instructed Prof Ershad to refrain from all academic and administrative activities after two students filed complaints of sexual harassment, reports UNB. 

At the press conference, Ovik Chakraborty, a student of the 2022–23 session, said, “Such a psychopath, rapist and pervert exists in the department! The students cannot accept him as a teacher.”

He said seniors had previously warned them about Prof Ershad, but they did not take the warnings seriously.

According to Ovik, “Students with vulnerabilities — academic, financial or mental — were his targets. He would first call them to his room, then to his house. He phoned students at midnight without reason and talked nonsense.”

Describing a recent incident involving a victim, Ovik said, “One day, Prof Ershad called the victim to his house, asked him to take off his shirt and undressed himself. He then began physically and sexually assaulting him. Afterwards, he started blackmailing the victim.”

He added, “On another day, the victim did not pick up his calls. Prof Ershad phoned repeatedly from different numbers and continued blackmailing him. Eventually, the victim went to his house, where he was tortured more severely throughout the night and threatened to remain silent.”

Fazlul Haq Hall Vice-President and Chemistry Department student Khandakar Muhammad Abu Naim, who was also present, said, “This is a threat not only to Dhaka University but to the entire country. He must be taken into custody under the law as soon as possible.”