SAD condemns expulsion of July movement activist from Chattogram Medical College hostel

The Chattogram Metropolitan unit of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) has strongly protested the expulsion of fourth-year student Asif Hasan Neon from the Chattogram Medical College (CMC) hostel.

In a statement issued on Wednesday (9 July), the unit's Convener Arif Moinuddin said that although Neon was associated with Bangladesh Chhatra League before last year's July Uprising, he had later become a vocal advocate for students' democratic rights through his involvement in the anti-discrimination movement.

The statement noted that Neon recently faced threat from members of Islami Chhatra Shibir following a social media comment related to Shibir's Dhaka University unit President Md Abu Sadiq Kayem. Shortly after, CMC authorities expelled him from the college hostel and suspended him from academic activities.

The expulsion decision was made on Tuesday afternoon (8 July) by the Academic Council of CMC. Simultaneously, a three-member investigation committee was formed to review Neon's academic status. The committee was asked to submit its findings within 10 days.

SAD described the action by CMC as "unjust, undemocratic, and a clear violation of his constitutional right to freedom of expression."

"The punishment of a student for his political views or social media expression is a dangerous sign for both educational institutions and democracy," the statement read.

Arif Moinuddin demanded the immediate withdrawal of the expulsion order and called for Neon's safety to be ensured.

"Tagging me as Chhatra League activist, Shibir created a mob and came to my room and threatened me. Later, CMC authority temporarily suspended me," Neon told The Business Standard on Wednesday night.

Tensions reportedly erupted at the CMC's main hostel in the city's Goachibagan area on Monday night (7 July). Supporters of a political party's student wing reportedly assaulted Neon and slapped him in the dining hall at around 11:30pm.

Providing context, Moinuddin clarified that the Facebook post in question was initially made by a friend of Neon criticising Sadiq Kayem. After Shibir activists reportedly harassed his friend, Neon protested – which led to threats and his eventual expulsion, reportedly due to his former affiliation with Chhatra League.

SAD also shared a post on Facebook Wednesday evening, referring to Neon as a "July Warrior" who actively stood by students throughout the movement in July last year.

SAD President Rifat Rashid also spoke to Neon by phone and pledged the movement's full support.