DU students demand action over death of Theatre Dept student Mimo

Students of Dhaka University’s Theatre and Performance Studies Department formed a human chain today, demanding punishment for those responsible in connection with the death of student Munira Mahzabin Mimo.

The human chain was held at the foot of Aparajeyo Bangla on the Dhaka University campus. Several teachers from the department also joined the human chain in solidarity.

Speaking at the programme, department student Aniya Akter said, “For a long time, an environment of personal and psychological harassment of students by some teachers has existed in the department. The untimely death of our friend Mimo is a tragic consequence of that environment.”

She strongly urged the university administration to ensure a fair and impartial investigation into the incident and to guarantee a safe academic environment on campus.

Chairperson of the department Kazi Tamanna Haque Sigma said, “The students’ demands are also our demands. We have taken every step possible from the department regarding this incident. The matter has been informed to the vice chancellor and pro-vice chancellor.

“The accused teacher, Dr Sudip Chakroborthy, has been relieved from departmental duties. We have expressed solidarity with all of the students’ demands,” she also added.

At the human chain, another student Rafiul Rocky presented a list of demands on behalf of the students.

Their demands included a clear and immediate departmental stance on Dr Sudip Chakroborthy and student Umme Hani, with continuation of the boycott of classes and examinations until action is taken. They also demanded the permanent dismissal of Dr Sudip Chakroborthy over allegations of moral misconduct and abetment to suicide, along with punishment for all those found responsible.

They also demanded a fair legal process free from pressure for the victim’s family, and urged authorities not to issue the accused teacher a no-objection certificate for foreign travel until the judicial proceedings are completed.