Allegations of Online Harassment Levied Against Chittagong University Student Leader

A formal complaint has been lodged with the administrative authorities at the University of Chittagong (CU) regarding allegations of sustained online harassment, defamation, and the circulation of distorted images. The accused, Mohammad Shamim Uddin, serves as the Joint General Secretary of the university’s unit of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

The complainant, a female student from the Department of Zoology (academic session 2021-22), submitted a written statement to the University Proctor’s office on Sunday, 3 May 2026. The document outlines a pattern of targeted harassment involving the use of anonymous social media profiles to disseminate malicious content.

Details of the Formal Complaint

In her written submission to the Proctor, the student alleged that Shamim Uddin, a senior student within the same department, has subjected her to various forms of harassment over an extended period. The complainant stated that for several years, the accused has allegedly posted obscene and derogatory comments about her on various social media platforms. Furthermore, she asserted that there have been concerted efforts to distort her personal photographs and circulate them online to damage her reputation.

The student detailed a recent escalation in these activities, noting that despite prior attempts to resolve the matter through official channels, the harassment has persisted. On 2 May 2026, she reportedly received a series of threatening and offensive messages via her Facebook inbox from a pseudonymous account. Based on the history of their interactions and previous incidents, the complainant expressed her firm belief that the individual behind the “fake” profile is indeed the accused student leader.

The complaint emphasizes the profound impact these actions have had on her well-being, stating:

“These incidents pose a significant threat to my personal security and mental health. My family is also deeply concerned regarding the ongoing nature of this harassment.”

Previous Legal Actions and Continued Harassment

This administrative complaint follows earlier attempts by the victim to seek protection from law enforcement. The student disclosed that she had previously filed a General Diary (GD) at the Hathazari Police Station in an effort to curb the harassment. However, she noted that legal notification did not serve as a deterrent; instead, the accused allegedly resorted to creating new fraudulent accounts to continue the intimidation and send threatening correspondence.

The involvement of the police highlights the severity of the allegations, as the use of digital platforms for harassment falls under specific legal frameworks in Bangladesh, including the Cyber Security Act, which replaced the previous Digital Security Act to address such grievances.

Institutional Response and Defence

The University of Chittagong administration has acknowledged receipt of the allegations. Dr Md. Kamrul Hossain, an Assistant Proctor at the university, confirmed that the office is now seized of the matter. He stated that the university would follow due process, which includes summoning the accused to hear his version of events. A decision regarding disciplinary action or further investigation will be communicated following the conclusion of these preliminary inquiries.

In response to the allegations, Mohammad Shamim Uddin has issued a categorical denial. Speaking to the media, he dismissed the claims as entirely baseless and fabricated. He asserted:

“I am in no way involved in these activities. There is no evidence to support these claims. This complaint has been filed with ulterior motives and is purely intended to malign my character.”

The incident has caused a stir within the university community, bringing to the fore concerns regarding the digital safety of female students and the accountability of student political leaders. As the Proctor’s office begins its investigation, the focus remains on whether the university’s internal disciplinary committee will find sufficient grounds to act on the testimony and digital evidence provided by the complainant. Under the university’s regulations, proved instances of harassment or “eve-teasing”—including digital harassment—can lead to severe penalties, including temporary or permanent expulsion from the institution.