RU probe panel recommends suspending 4, including 3 Chhatra Dal leaders, over attack on journalist
The university investigation committee also recommended further investigation into allegations against four others and warnings for three students.
A Rajshahi University investigation committee has recommended the suspension of four students – three leaders and activists of the Chhatra Dal and a hall student representative – over a recent attack on journalists on campus.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Faridul Islam presented the committee's recommendations to journalists in the VC conference room today (9 October).
He said a five-member investigation committee was formed to identify those involved in the incident at Shahid Ziaur Rahman Hall on 4 October and recommend punishment for those responsible.
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The committee's unanimous written report was handed over to the university authorities last night (8 October).
Based on an analysis of the available information and evidence, and considering the nature and severity of the alleged offences, the committee recommended temporarily cancelling the enrolment of Ahsan Habib, vice-president of the RU Chhatra Dal unit; Bishal Chakraborty, an activist of the unit; Hasibul Hasan, joint general secretary of the unit; and Ariful Islam, general secretary of the Zia Hall students' union.
The committee also recommended taking action against Rakibul Islam, assistant cultural secretary of the Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (Rucsu); Takbir Ahmed Emon, vice-president of the RU Chhatra Dal unit; Syed Sajharul Islam, joint general secretary of the unit; and Chhatra Dal activist Tanim Rahman, subject to further investigation into the allegations and evidence against them.
In addition, the committee recommended issuing warnings to Chhatra Dal unit vice-presidents Bulbul Rahman and Shariful Islam and assistant office secretary Shahriar Alam.
Speaking at the briefing, Vice-Chancellor Professor Faridul Islam said the investigation committee had submitted its report within 72 hours and made three recommendations.
"The report clearly states that further investigation is needed into the matter. Everyone must remain patient until the further investigation is completed," he said.
Regarding the recommendations concerning Ariful Islam and Rakibul Islam, investigation committee convener Professor Rezaul Karim said they had played a role in instigating the recent incidents.
"The recommendation to cancel Ariful Islam's enrolment was made based on the information and evidence available to us," he said.
Earlier, the central committee of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal expelled the three student leaders whose enrolment had been temporarily recommended for cancellation from their organisational posts.
On the night of 4 October, several journalists were attacked while performing their professional duties in front of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall at Rajshahi University. At least 10 people, including four journalists, were injured in the incident.
Later, on 5 October, Md Monir Hossain, deputy registrar of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall, filed the case, said Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Md Gaziur Rahman.
