Dhaka University’s Chemistry Department teacher Ershad Halim sexually assaulted, molested, and raped male students for years, targeting batches from 92 to 104’s current students. He exploited their vulnerabilities and blackmailed them. The abuse was described as an open secret among teachers and students, but no action was taken. Teachers repeatedly asked, “Where is the evidence?” and the accused had strong backing.
The situation changed after a recent victim, with the support of his friends, collected video footage, chat screenshots, and other proof. DU students, led by the Chemistry Department, then held several protests and press conferences, after which the teacher was arrested. Following the arrest, students called for a protest at Raju Vashkorjo, demanding the highest punishment from both the government and the DU administration.
During the Raju Vashkorjo protest, some students called for capital punishment for homosexuality. Placards reading “No place for LGBTQ” and “No to homosexuality” appeared. Several students, including the recent DUCSU General Secretary S. M. Forhad, made openly anti-LGBTQ statements.
In response, a separate protest was organised on 23 November at 4 PM in Shahbagh, in front of the National Museum. Planning began on 16 November, when Muntasir discussed organising a march with Sahara. Sahara drafted six demands and created a Facebook event. A banner read: “Rape and homosexuality are not the same. We want punishment for rapists. We want rights for homosexuals.”
Muntasir invited journalists, and only a few national and international media outlets came. At their suggestion, English posters were prepared, including “Punish the rapists, give LGBTQ+ people rights,” “Stop identity politics of rape,” and “Stop criminalizing LGBTIQA+ for HIV, rape, earthquake.” Speeches were delivered, six demands were read out, and the protest drew mixed reactions. After posts were shared on social media, online attacks followed. The event faced heavy media blackouts, with most media not covering it.
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