Chhatra Dal Leader Accused of Harassing Rajshahi University Urdu Department Chair on Paris Road, Bulbul Rahman Denies It

An allegation of harassment has been raised against branch Chhatra Dal leader Bulbul Rahman over the treatment of Professor Dr Md Shahidul Islam, chair of the Urdu Department at Rajshahi University (RU). Department sources said the incident centred on the examination form fill-up of a discollegiate student.

The incident took place at about 1:30pm on Tuesday, 27 October, on the university's Paris Road. Bulbul Rahman is a student of the 2013-14 session of the Urdu Department and a vice-president of the branch Chhatra Dal. He has denied the allegation.

Department sources said Toukir, a student of the 2025-26 session of the Urdu Department, was made discollegiate because his attendance was 49 percent. The department therefore decided not to allow him to fill up the examination form or sit the examination.

Bulbul Rahman met the department chair to seek an opportunity for that student to sit the examination. After a long discussion, when the chair did not agree, Bulbul was accused of abusing him and making objectionable remarks.

Professor Shahidul Islam alleged that at one stage, when he tried to record a video of the incident, an attempt was made to snatch his mobile phone. He also alleged that he was harassed in public by being pulled by the hand and subjected to objectionable remarks.

Professor Shahidul Islam said Bulbul is a former student of his department. When they met as he was on his way home, Bulbul asked him to give Toukir the chance to fill up the form. He replied that there is no rule for it and the student has no opportunity to sit the examination. Bulbul then began abusing him and pulling at his hand while he was on his bike; when he tried to record video, his mobile phone was also pulled at.

The department chair further said the reason for Bulbul's anger lies elsewhere. He claimed Bulbul wants to become a teacher of this department but could not apply because of a low CGPA in his honours, and has been angry since then.

Professor Shahidul Islam said such behaviour in broad daylight in a public place in front of everyone is very embarrassing for him. He has informed the administration verbally and has been given assurance. He wants a fair resolution of the matter.

Bulbul Rahman, denying the allegation, said he requested on behalf of his younger brother that the student be allowed to sit the examination on humanitarian grounds, as the student had been ill for a long time and could not attend classes. He said he did nothing beyond that. Calling the harassment allegation completely fabricated and baseless, he said the chair, on the contrary, behaved very badly with him.

University Proctor Professor Dr Mahbubur Rahman said there is no scope to take the matter lightly and it must be looked at seriously. A decision will be taken after speaking with the teachers.

The university's Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Abdul Alim, said the incident is undesirable. He has spoken with the chair, some information has come in, but not all information has been received yet. The matter is being looked into and action will be taken later.