Rajshahi University (RU) has expelled 18 students for one year and revoked the residential hall seats of two others over breaching university discipline, including ragging and an alleged attack on a senior student.
Another 79 students have been given strict warnings, according to university authorities.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Faridul Islam disclosed the decisions on Wednesday following the 549th meeting of the university syndicate.
He said the disciplinary subcommittee placed the allegations and supporting evidence before the Syndicate at Tuesday’s meeting. After reviewing the cases, the Syndicate decided on different forms of punishment.
Of the 18 students expelled for a year, 14 were punished over ragging allegations, one for allegedly attacking a senior student, and three for allegedly forging the seal, signature and official pad of the chairman of the university’s Department of Public Administration.
The Syndicate also decided that 20 students would not be eligible for residential facilities at the university in the future.
They include the two students whose residential hall seats were cancelled, the three students accused of seal forgery and 15 others whose studentship was suspended.
The university has taken a strict position against ragging, the vice-chancellor said.
“Ragging is increasing day by day at the university, so we are taking a very strict stance on the issue,” Prof Farid said.
He said the university had not permanently cancelled the studentship of any of the students involved.
“The maximum punishment will be suspension for one year. If a student is a resident, their residential status will also be cancelled. At the same time, their parents will be informed,” he said.
The 79 students who were warned have received the university’s highest-level warning, the vice-chancellor said.
“If we find that any of them is involved in such activities again, stricter action will be taken against them,” he added.
“Our position on ragging is zero tolerance,” Professor Faridul said.
