DU professor detained over alleged sexual harassment

Police have detained a Dhaka University teacher over allegations of sexual harassment of male students. Dr Ershad Halim, a professor in the Chemistry Department, was detained on Thursday (13 November) around 11:00 pm from his house in Shewrapara, Dhaka, by Mirpur Model Police. He is currently being interrogated at the police station.

Commenting on the matter, DU Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed said that Ershad Halim was taken to the police station for questioning. “Since he does not live on the university campus, the university administration’s permission was not required in this case. However, the administration is aware of the matter,” he added.

Earlier, students from various batches of the Chemistry Department held a press conference at the Dhaka University Journalists’ Association on behalf of those who claim to have been victims of Ershad Halim’s alleged sexual harassment.

In addition, Chemistry Department student AKM Sumon posted allegations on Facebook, which included statements from two other individuals whose identities were kept anonymous.