DU Professor of Chemistry Department Arrested on Serious Sexual Assault Allegations
In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the Dhaka University community, Professor Ershad Halim from the Department of Chemistry has been arrested by police on multiple allegations of sexually assaulting students over a prolonged period.
The arrest took place on Thursday night around 11:00 pm, when law enforcement officers picked him up from his residence in Shewrapara, Dhaka. Later that same night, one of the alleged victims—a student—filed a formal case against him at Mirpur Model Police Station, accusing the professor of sexual assault and physical abuse.
On Friday, Professor Halim was produced before the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court. After hearing arguments, the court rejected his bail plea and ordered him to be sent to prison while the investigation continues.
The case came to light after students from the Chemistry Department began sharing their experiences on Facebook. What started as posts soon turned into a more organized effort when several students held a press conference at the Dhaka University Journalists’ Association office at TSC (Teacher-Student Centre). They demanded swift action and that the professor be brought to justice without delay.
One student went public with a detailed Facebook post describing his harrowing ordeal. According to the account, he had approached the professor regarding an examination-related issue. The teacher allegedly called him to his Shewrapara residence under the pretext of helping with the problem. Instead, the student claims he was sexually assaulted and threatened with dire consequences if he spoke out.
The student further alleged that he was repeatedly taken to the same flat on later occasions, where he was assaulted, beaten, and threatened again.
Abu Nayeem, a student of the Chemistry Department and vice-president of Fazlul Haque Muslim Hall Students’ Union, has been one of the most vocal voices demanding justice. Speaking to *Prothom Alo*, he revealed that at least **12 students** have already come forward with complaints of sexual assault by Professor Halim.
Abu Nayeem noted that students from various batches appear to have been victimized over time. “We cannot say with certainty how many students have been victimised,” he said. “Since the issue came to light, at least 12 students have come forward with evidence of his actions. Every day, someone new is informing us.”
Dhaka University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed that, following the complaints, Professor Ershad Halim has been barred from all academic activities. The matter has also been referred to the university’s Sexual Harassment Prevention Cell. The university is cooperating with the police investigation.
During the hearing at the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court, the investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Mehedi Hasan of Mirpur Model Police Station, requested that the professor remain in custody during the investigation.
The defense lawyer, Shyamal Kumar Roy, pleaded for bail, claiming his client was innocent. He argued that the allegations might be part of a conspiracy by other teachers, as Professor Halim was reportedly being considered for the position of department chair in the coming months. The lawyer also highlighted that the professor has a wife and a child studying in Class VIII, questioning the motive behind such serious accusations.
However, the court was not convinced. The bail application was rejected, and Professor Ershad Halim was ordered to be sent to jail.
This case has once again highlighted the critical importance of safe learning environments in our educational institutions. When those in positions of power and trust allegedly misuse their authority to exploit students, it shakes the very foundation of academia.
Students deserve to pursue their education without fear of harassment or abuse. The courage shown by the survivors in coming forward—especially in a society where such issues are often swept under the rug—is commendable.
As the police investigation proceeds and the university conducts its own inquiry, the entire nation will be watching to see whether justice is served swiftly and fairly.
What are your thoughts on this case? Should universities implement stricter mechanisms to prevent such abuses of power? Feel free to share your views in the comments below.