Rajshahi University (RU) has published the recommendations of a probe committee formed to investigate an attack on journalists at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall, allegedly involving leaders and activists of the university unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD).
The committee recommended the temporary expulsion of four students, further investigation into allegations against four others, and warnings for three more.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Faridul Islam disclosed the recommendations at a press briefing in his conference room around noon on Friday.
A five-member investigation committee formed after the 4 October incident submitted its report to the university authorities around midnight on Thursday.
Who faces disciplinary action?
The students recommended for temporary expulsion are Ahsan Habib, a Law Department student from the 2013-14 academic session and a Chhatra Dal vice-president; Hasibul Islam Hasib, a History Department student from the 2017-18 session and the organisation’s joint general secretary; and Bishal Chakraborty, an Economics Department student from the 2021-22 session and a Chhatra Dal leader.
The committee also recommended the temporary cancellation of the studentship of Ariful Islam, general secretary of the Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall union, citing his alleged role in instigating the incident.
Further investigation was recommended into allegations against Takbir Ahmed Emon, a student of the Institute of Business Administration from the 2017-18 session and a Chhatra Dal vice-president; Syed Sajharul Islam, a Management Department student from the 2019-20 session and the organisation’s assistant general secretary; and Tanim Rahman, a student of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism and a Chhatra Dal activist.
The committee also recommended further investigation into the alleged role of Rakibul Islam, assistant secretary for cultural affairs of the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (Rucsu), as an instigator.
Meanwhile, Chhatra Dal vice-presidents Bulbul Rahman and Shariful Islam, along with assistant office secretary Shahriar Alam, were recommended for warnings.
VC says further investigation needed
At the briefing, Vice-Chancellor Faridul Islam said the committee had submitted its report within 72 hours and made three recommendations.
“The report clearly states that further investigation is needed. Everyone must remain patient until the additional investigation is completed,” he said.
Professor Rezaul Karim-2, convener of the investigation committee, said Ariful Islam and Rakibul Islam had played roles in instigating recent incidents.
He said the recommendation concerning Ariful’s studentship was based on the information and evidence available to the committee.
Dispute preceded attack
According to the account of the incident, tensions escalated following an exchange of social media posts and messages involving Ahsan Habib and Rakibul Islam.
On Saturday night, Ahsan allegedly posted in a Facebook group named “Rajshahi University Sangsad”, accusing Rucsu General Secretary Ammar of murder, rape, extortion, financial misconduct and other offences.
Rakibul responded by asking Ahsan to clarify the murder allegation and describing the claims as a narrative associated with Chhatra League.
The exchange continued through Facebook Messenger. Ahsan later sought to meet Rakibul, who said he would be at Transport Market until 5pm and challenged anyone to confront him.
About an hour after Rakibul left, Ahsan allegedly arrived at the market around 6pm with a group of people carrying hockey sticks.
During the sequence of events, Ariful Islam allegedly published a derogatory post targeting Tarique Rahman. Following the post, Chhatra Dal leaders and activists reportedly went to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall to confront Ariful.
Unable to find him, they allegedly vandalised his room. Journalists were attacked as the group was leaving the hall, according to the account of the incident.
The university formed the five-member investigation committee on 4 October to examine the attack, which left several journalists and students injured.
