Controversy Surrounding BUET Student Shree Shanto: How Credible Are the Allegations?

Australian News Time:

A widespread controversy has erupted on social media and within the campus over Shree Shanto Roy, a student of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). He faces allegations of making derogatory remarks about women and religion, as well as accusations of sexual harassment. The issue has sparked nationwide debate beyond just the university.

Origin of the Allegations
In the first week of October, an account on the social media platform Reddit posted obscene and religiously offensive comments targeting women, including derogatory remarks about Muslim women wearing burqas and hijabs. Some posts also hinted at life inside BUET.

As these posts went viral, fellow students claimed to have identified the person behind the account as Shree Shanto, a student of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) department of BUET. However, Shree Shanto has yet to make any public statement regarding the accusations.

Protests and Administrative Actions
Following the spread of the allegations, students at BUET held protests on the night of October 21, surrounding the Dean of Students’ Welfare (DSW) office and demanding swift punishment for the accused.

It is being said that these comments belong to Shree Shanto. However, anyone can create accounts and post comments on such platforms using someone else’s name. Therefore, the police are conducting forensic verification to confirm whether this ID actually belongs to Shree Shanto.

Under intense pressure, the BUET administration labeled the incident a “serious offense” and temporarily suspended Shree Shanto from classes, exams, and all university activities.

Meanwhile, a case was filed at Chakbazar Police Station under the Cyber Security Act, 2025. Following court orders, Shree Shanto was arrested and taken into custody for questioning.

Rape Allegations and Confusion
Some social media users have claimed that Shree Shanto admitted in a post to sexually assaulting a female classmate while she was intoxicated.

However, police have clarified that no formal charges related to rape have been included in the case. The primary allegations focus on “defamation of women and hurting religious sentiments.”

An investigating officer stated, “So far, we have found evidence supporting the online posts insulting women and religious communities. The sexual assault allegations are still under investigation.”

BUET students have expressed, “We want the university administration to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation. No offender should have a place at BUET, but false accusations must also be avoided.”

The Bangladesh Police confirmed that the screenshots attributed to Shree Shanto are being verified, and a report will be submitted to the court soon.

Weaknesses in the Allegations Against Shree Shanto

• Although there are claims of sexual harassment and rape, these have not been formally charged in court. Thus, the most serious allegations have not yet received legal scrutiny.

• Social media and Reddit-based evidence can often be difficult to verify—accounts, posts, and screenshots may be altered or fabricated.

• No final verdict or court decision has been made; therefore, Shree Shanto remains an accused, not a convicted individual.

• A major challenge in cybercrime cases is verifying the authenticity of evidence.

• Screenshots and online posts need forensic digital analysis to be accepted as valid evidence in court.

• Legally, it is weak to declare someone guilty solely based on social media posts or Reddit comments without proper verification.

• Experts urge that until investigations conclude, issuing final judgments against anyone is unjust.

In summary, it can be said:
“Justice must be sought through facts, evidence, and fairness—not through public hysteria.”

AE