NSAB seeks action against Prasai, MP Thapa

Kathmandu, July 31

Nepalese Students’ Association Bangladesh has threatened to launch sit-in protest outside the Embassy of Nepal in Bangladesh, demanding action against Durga Prasai, executive director of Jhapa-based B&C Medical College and lawmaker Gagan Thapa for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Nepali female students studying medicine in Bangladesh.

Issuing a press statement, the association said it would stage sit-in outside the Embassy of Nepal on August 2 and 3.

A video footage showing Prasai making the remarks against female Nepali students pursuing medicine in Bangladesh had gone viral on the social media. He had said that female students pursuing medicine in Bangladesh were molested by their professors. He had also claimed that while male students returned after completing their course in five years, it took female students up to nine years to get their certificates.

Similarly, Thapa, speaking at a rally organised in support of Dr Govinda KC had claimed that90 per cent students went to Bangladesh, Philippines, China to pursue medicine with the guarantee of receiving certificate. He also claimed that MBBS certificate could be bought for Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 in these countries.

Students pursuing medicine in Bangladesh said Prasai had hurt the dignity of female students.

Talking to the The Himalayan Times, Sweta Sharma, a student of City Dental College, Dhaka, said, “First thing I want to tell Prasai is the duration of MBBS course in Bangladesh is six years not five. And second thing, no one has the right to make such derogatory remarks about women.”

Megha Khatri, who is also a medical student in Dhaka, said other students in her college looked at them with scepticism after Prasai made the remarks. “We are not here to buy the certificates, but to study and become a good doctor. We want government to take action against people who made such derogatory remarks against female students pursuing medicine in Bangladesh.”

Meanwhile, Prasai has apologised for his remarks. “I used offensive words and I apologise for it. I am also ready to face action if the government deems it necessary, but others who made similar remarks should also be punished.”

Meanwhile, NMSA, Bangladesh, has also submitted a memorandum to Minister for Education, Science and Technology Giriraj Mani Pokharel, demanding to take action against Prasai and public apology from lawmaker Thapa.

Nabin Yadav, president of NMSA, said Minister Pokharel had assured them that action would be taken against  Prasai and Thapa.