Curfew debate rekindled at RU's women's halls

RAJSHAHI UNIVERSITY, Sept 05: A fresh debate has erupted among students at Rajshahi University (RU) on whether there is an official night-time curfew rule for students of women's dormitories.
Conflicting statements from the vice-chancellor (VC) and hall provosts have fueled confusion.
On Thursday, during a press conference at the Senate Building, RU VC Prof. Dr. Saleh Hasan Naqib told reporters, "To my knowledge, there is no such thing as a curfew law with formal approval from the university authorities."
However, evidence from official administrative decisions suggests otherwise.
In September 2024, the Provosts' Council specifically instructed that female students must enter their halls by 9 PM. Earlier, in 2023, an executive order signed by the registrar had extended the entry deadline until 10 PM.
When contacted, Prof. Dr. Sharmin Hamid, provost of Begum Khaleda Zia Hall and convener of the Provosts' Council, confirmed the matter. "Yes, we have the curfew. But we don't enforce it strictly. If a student is late, she can explain and sign an entry record. That's what we maintain," she said.
She added that some guardians complain to them saying they are allowing too much freedom by the flexibility they give to the female students allowing them to enter after curfew.
Attempts to reach Prof. Sharmin again after the VC's statement were unsuccessful.
Prof. Dr. Tarannum Naz, the provost of Taposi Rabeya Hall, could not be reached for comment.
The debate gained further traction after administrative actions were taken against students for failing to maintain the timings as instructed. At the July 36 Hall, 91 students were summoned to the provost's office and notices were issued for returning after 11 PM.
The disciplinary move sparked fresh controversy when Shah Makhdum Hall Chhatra Dal Vice-President Anisur Rahman Milon posted derogatory and abusive remarks on social media under the photographs of the female students.
The post triggered outrage within the student wing itself. RU Chhatra Dal suspended Milon's organisational post and formed a two-member inquiry committee. When he did not respond to repeated calls and switched off his phone, the committee recommended expulsion, which was approved. Following this, RU Chhatra Dal filed a case against Milon.

mahmudbijoyru@gmail.com