Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) has expelled 25 students for ‘ragging’ junior students, according to Pro-Vice-Chancellor Sajedul Karim.
Among the expelled students, 13 belong to the statistics department from the 2022-23 academic session, while the remaining 12 are from the economics department.
The decision was taken at the university’s 237th syndicate meeting held last Thursday, confirmed Sajedul Karim.
The vice-chancellor said that “based on the investigation and observation by the Proctorial Body, recommendations were made to impose varying punishments on students involved in ragging junior students.” These recommendations were later approved by the syndicate.
Proctor Mokhlesur Rahman said, “We have zero tolerance regarding ragging. When junior students fall victim to ragging on campus, they become mentally traumatized. Many of them even get derailed academically.”
He added, “After a proper investigation of ragging incidents, we recommended to the university administration, through the Proctorial Body, that the accused students be brought under disciplinary action.”
Earlier, on November 27, 2024, five students from the previous batch of the Statistics Department were expelled for ragging 15 students of the 2023-24 session at the Shaheed Minar. Among them, Kazi Tasmiya Haque Orisha was expelled for four semesters. The other four—Farzana Meherun Nuhya, Tasmiya Alam Maisha, Lamia Ismail Jui, and Shraboni De Priya—were expelled from the residential hall for life. They were also asked to submit a pledge to the Proctorial Body to refrain from any future ragging-related activities.
On November 14, allegations surfaced that 8 students from the previous batch had ragged 10 to 15 students of the 2023-24 session for nearly two and a half hours at a house near Bismillah Restaurant beside the main gate.
For leading the ragging, Sakhawat Hossain and Sagar Hossain were expelled for two semesters. Meanwhile, Shivraj Tripura, Zubair Abdullah, Riyadus Salehin Riyan, Tanmoy Karmakar Sagar, Yazuddin Patowari, and Nafiz Imtiaz Rohan were expelled from the residential hall for life, and if they were not currently enrolled, they would be denied hall seats in the future. They were also asked to give a pledge to the Proctorial Body to avoid involvement in ragging activities.
Separately, 12 students from the economics department, 2022-23 session, were punished for mental harassment of students in the mess. Among them, Fahim Munstasir was expelled for life and Junaid Mostakim Ayon for four semesters. The remaining 10 students: Pritam Saha, Sharifuzzaman Khan Atif, Sabit Abrar Tajim, Anik Ahmed, Suwel Rana, Zubair Hossain Talukdar Jim, Naeem Mia, Bikash Chandra Dhar, Minya Md. Saiyyedul Bashar Rifat, and Rajon Saha Sani were expelled for two semesters.
