RUET suspends teacher, 2 officials over attacking students during July uprising

The Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) has decided to suspend a teacher and two officials over their alleged involvement in suppressing the July uprising, as well as their long-term absence from work since 5 August. 

The decision was made during the university's 108th syndicate meeting today (6 March).

The suspended individuals are Siddharth Shankar Saha, assistant professor of the Chemistry Department and a leader of Rajshahi Metropolitan Swechchhasebak League; Naeem Rahman Nibhik, assistant engineer of the Engineering section and former president of RUET Chhatra League; Md Mohidul Islam, data processor of Physics department and former president of RUET Employees' Association.

Additionally, Engineer Harun-or-Rashid from the Planning and Development Department and former Chhatra League convenor has been dismissed from his position. He faces allegations of corruption related to recruitment and tender manipulation, RUET sources said.

According to RUET sources, Naeem Rahman Nibhik and Md Mohidul Islam allegedly entered RUET's main gate armed with sharp weapons and took part in violent chases and bomb attacks aimed at harming students on 4 August. 

Additionally, Assistant Professor Siddharth Shankar had previously been declared unwanted on campus by students after he was accused of opposing the July movement and insulting those injured and killed in the protests. 

Students demanded his removal and later submitted a formal application to the university administration.