Show cause notices have been issued to 403 students of Dhaka University (DU), accusing them of involvement in illegal and violent incidents that took place on the university campus between 15 July and 5 August 2024. The list includes the names of Bangladesh Chhatra League President Saddam Hussain and general secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan, despite the student organisation being declared banned in Bangladesh.
The majority of these 403 students are leaders and activists at various levels of the DU unit of Chhatra League.
This information was disclosed in a statement signed by Dhaka University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed. Although the statement was issued on Sunday, it came to the attention of the media on Tuesday. The Proctor’s office has stated that the deadline in the notice will be considered effective from Tuesday.
The notice states that a fact-finding committee was formed to identify those involved in the illegal and violent incidents at Dhaka University between 15 July and 5 August of last year and to take administrative action, with the committee’s investigation subsequently naming 128 students.
After discussion in the Syndicate meeting on 27 March, these students were temporarily expelled.
Later, the Syndicate formed a five-member investigation committee for a more thorough probe into the illegal and violent incidents on campus. In its second meeting, this committee reported the involvement of a total of 403 students, including the initial 128.
These 403 students have been asked to submit a written explanation to the Proctor’s office within seven days, stating why they should not be permanently expelled. The university authorities have also warned that unilateral action will be taken against these students if they fail to do so.
When inquired, Proctor Dr Saifuddin Ahmed told TIMES of Bangladesh, “For those among the accused who have completed their undergraduate and postgraduate studies, we will apply for the cancellation of their certificates.”
On 15 July, 2024, during the anti-quota movement, students protested under the banner of the Students Against Discrimination movement in front of the Raju Sculpture at Dhaka University at noon, objecting to what they termed “derogatory” comments by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
At a press conference held at the Awami League president’s political office in Dhanmondi that afternoon, the party’s General Secretary Obaidul Quader said, “Chhatra League is prepared to respond to the statements made by some anti-quota leaders.”
In the afternoon, a section of the protesting students marched from the Raju Sculpture towards the university halls. Some students remained at the TSC. When the protesters visited two halls and went to Bijoy Ekattor Hall, after 3:00 PM, Chhatra League activists attacked them. A picture of female students being beaten with sticks in the VC Chattar area went viral on social media.
Later in the evening, attacks were also carried out on protesting students in the areas of Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah Hall and Dhaka Medical College Hospital by Chhatra League, Jubo League, and police. Many general students of the anti-quota movement were seriously injured in these attacks. Pictures of these incidents also spread rapidly on social media.
Others named in the list of 403 students obtained by TIMES of Bangladesh include DU unit Chhatra League president Mazharul Kabir Shayon, general secretary Tanvir Hasan Saikat, publicity and publication secretary Jaydeb Nandi, Bijoy Ekattor Hall Chhatra League president Sajibur Rahman Sajib, Sir AF Rahman Hall unit Chhatra League president Azharul Islam Mamun, general secretary Munem Shahriar Mun, along with presidents of various hall units and other leaders and activists at different levels.
Click here to view the names of the full list of 403 students accused in the case.
