IU issues show-cause notices to 33 BCL leaders over role during July uprising

The authorities of Islamic University in Kushtia have issued show-cause notices to 33 leaders and activists of the university unit of banned Bangladesh Chhatra League, following an investigation into their alleged involvement in activities against the student-led mass uprising which ousted the authoritarian Awami League regime on 5 August last year.

The move came just days after 19 university teachers were also issued similar notices for their involvement in pro-government activities during the movement.

The probe committee also identified 11 officials for their purported roles against protests during the uprising on the university campus.

The 33 BCL men are general secretary Nasim Ahmed Joy, vice-president Munshi Kamrul Hasan Anik, joint general secretary Hussain Majumder, legal affairs secretary Shakil Ahmed, office secretary Kamal Hossain, organizing secretary Liafat Hossain Rakib, deputy cultural affairs secretary Anik Kumar, literary secretary Abdul Alim, sports secretary Bijon Roy, deputy catering secretary Mazharul Islam, membe Piyas Mostakin, deputy technical secretary Farhan Labib Dhrubo, deputy library secretary Wayesur Rahman Pranjal, publicity secretary Nabil Ahmed Emon and mass communication and development secretary Sadid Khan Sadi and activists Bipul Khan, Shimul Khan, Ratan Roy, Mridul Rabbi, Masud Rana, Mehedi Hasan Hafiz, Shahin Alam, Fazle Rabbi, Tariqul Islam, Sheikh Sohag, Mejbahul Islam, Rafid Hasan, Monirul Islam Asif, Imamul Muttaki Shimul, Adnan Alim Patwari, Maruf Islam, Tanvir, and Shaon.

IU acting registrar Professor Dr M Manjurul Haque said today (20 August) that show-cause notices were issued to the accused on Tuesday, asking them to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against them for their alleged involvement in threatening, intimidating, and harassing participants of the anti-discrimination student movement held in July and August.

IU vice-chancellor Professor Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah had not yet decided on the 11 accused officials of the university.

The accused BCL leaders and activists had 10 working days to respond, he said, adding that the university would decide on disciplinary measures—ranging from suspension to expulsion—based on the responses and the university statute.

A five-member investigation committee, led by Al-Hadith and Islamic Studies department Professor Akhtar Hossain, was formed on March 15 this year to identify individuals—students, teachers, officials, and employees—who actively opposed the July 2024 democratic uprising.

The probe submitted its report to the university administration on 13 August.