How can a university proctor make such misogynistic comments?
Chittagong University Proctor Tanvir MH Arif is facing intense backlash from both former and current students over a misogynistic Facebook post. The controversy erupted after he questioned whether protesters involved in the July uprising had fallen into a "honey trap." The term, often used to connote "sex as a means of allure", has been met with strong opposition from students, particularly females, who have taken to social media and public protests demanding his removal.
The outrage has led to widespread protests, with students sharing hashtags and placards reading, "Women are not honey!" and "We demand the removal of proctor Arif for his misogynist comments."
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Although the proctor has since issued an apology, this is not the first time he has made derogatory remarks about women. His previous social media post, a few months after assuming office, also ignited protests.
In that post, he had written, "While the father stayed in southern Bengal, the mother visited central Bengal, and the daughter was sent to a friend's house. The daughter and the friend wandered around an unsafe campus all night. A lot could have happened!"
Students argue that such statements from a proctor -- a position tasked with ensuring campus security -- are highly inappropriate and contribute to a culture of victim-blaming rather than addressing safety concerns. They question how a university official responsible for safeguarding students can make remarks that undermine their safety and dignity.
Arif's repeated comments raises serious concerns about his ability to perform his duties impartially. The task of a proctor is to protect and guide students, ensuring a secure environment for all. Instead of taking responsibility for security on campus, his statements suggest an attitude of blaming students -- especially women -- for the dangers they may face.
The implications of such rhetoric are severe. When a person in a position of authority perpetuates misogynistic ideas, it emboldens a culture of discrimination and makes it harder for victims of harassment or assault to seek justice. Female students, who already face safety concerns on campus, now feel even more vulnerable knowing that the person responsible for their security harbours such biases.
Universities should be spaces of learning, inclusivity, and safety. When those in power, like the proctor, make derogatory remarks, it sends a damaging message to the entire student body. Instead of fostering an environment where all students, regardless of gender, feel safe and valued, such remarks alienate and demean female students.
Moreover, this underscores the broader societal issue of how women's actions and freedoms are policed, often by those in authority. Instead of addressing the root causes of the lack of safety on campus, such statements shift the blame onto female students, implying that their presence or behaviour is the problem rather than systemic failures.
The students' demand for Prof Arif's removal is not just about this single instance but about holding institutions accountable. A proctor must be someone students trust, not someone they fear for his dismissal of their genuine concerns. Ensuring a safe campus is not just about preventing crime -- it's also about creating an environment where every student feels respected and valued.
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