JU suspends 9 teachers, 289 Chhatra League activists over attack on students during July uprising

Jahangirnagar University (JU) has suspended nine teachers and 289 students, reportedly involved with the banned Chhatra League, for allegedly aiding the attack on protesting students of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement between 14-17 July.

The university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, confirmed the decisions after a syndicate meeting held yesterday (17 March) to discuss the findings of an investigation committee formed to investigate incidents of violence during the July uprising.

However, the identities of the expelled Chhatra League activists have not been disclosed.

Professor Ahsan stated that nine teachers were suspended due to their involvement in the attacks by Chhatra League members and police during the movement. Initial investigations have also revealed the involvement of several other teachers, and a structured committee has been formed to gather further evidence against them.

Meanwhile, former vice-chancellor Professor Md Nurul Alam and registrar Abu Hasan, who have since retired, will have their pension benefits revoked due to their alleged role in the attacks.

Regarding the expelled Chhatra League activists, Professor Ahsan mentioned that disciplinary actions were categorised into three levels: those who have completed their studies will have their certificates suspended, students who have taken exams and viva will have their results withheld, and current students will be temporarily expelled.

During the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, several violent incidents occurred on the JU campus.

On 14 July, students were attacked at Rabindranath Tagore Hall from 11pm to 3am.

On 15 July, another attack took place in front of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall at 7pm, followed by another attack at midnight near the vice-chancellor's residence, where both students and teachers were targeted with shotgun pellets.

On 17 July, students were again attacked in front of the administrative building at 3pm, with the use of shotgun pellets.

To investigate these incidents, a committee was formed on 19 September, which submitted its preliminary report to the university administration on 17 January, leading to these disciplinary actions.

Shamim Molla murder: Accused students expelled for 6 months 

Eight students of Jahangirnagar University (JU) have been expelled for six months for their involvement in the mob beating that led to the death of former JU student and former organising secretary of the university's Chhatra League unit, Shamim Ahmed, also known as Shamim Molla. 

The decision was confirmed by a syndicate member following a syndicate meeting held late at night yesterday (17 March). 

He stated that the students who were previously temporarily suspended for their involvement in Shamim Molla's murder have now been officially expelled for six months. He also mentioned that one more person might be subjected to disciplinary action, and a review will be conducted to determine why the case was filed under Section 302 instead of Section 304 of the Penal Code. 

The expulsion period is considered effective from the previous syndicate meeting held on 19 September last year, meaning the students' punishment will officially end on 19 March. 

The expelled students are Raju Hasan Razon (46th batch, Government and Politics), Raju Ahmed (45th batch, Government and Politics), Md Mahmudul Hasan Raihan (50th batch, English), Zubair Ahmed (44th batch, History), Hamidullah Salman (49th batch, English), Md Atikuzzaman Atik (49th batch, Management Studies), Sohag Mia (47th batch, Computer Science and Engineering), and Ahsan Labib (49th batch, Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering).

On 18 September last year, Shamim Molla was allegedly beaten by a group of students near the Joy Bangla Gate (Prantik Gate) of the university. The attack was reportedly linked to his alleged involvement in the 15 July attack on teachers and students at the vice-chancellor's residence. After the mob beating, university security personnel took Shamim Molla into custody, where he was allegedly assaulted further. 

Later that evening, around 8:30pm, he was handed over to the police, who then transferred him to Gonoshasthaya Samaj Vittik Medical College Hospital in Savar, where doctors declared him dead. 

Following the incident, the university administration temporarily suspended eight students. On 20 September 2024, the university authorities filed a case under Section 302 (murder) of the Penal Code, naming the eight accused students and 20-25 unidentified individuals. 

Subsequently, two of the accused students, Atikuzzaman Atik and Mahmudul Hasan Raihan, were arrested by the police. Atik was later released on bail, while Raihan remains in custody.