RU probe panel recommends suspension of 4 students over attack on journalists

A probe committee at Rajshahi University (RU) has recommended the temporary cancellation of the studentship of three Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leaders and activists and the general secretary of Shahid Ziaur Rahman Hall Students’ Union over an attack on journalists on the campus.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Faridul Islam disclosed the recommendations to journalists at his conference room on Friday morning.

He said a five-member probe committee was formed to identify those involved in the incident at Shahid Ziaur Rahman Hall on the night of 4 October and recommend punishment for the offenders.

The university administration received the committee’s unanimous written report around midnight on Thursday, he added.

The committee recommended temporarily cancelling the studentship of Ahsan Habib, vice-president of RU Chhatra Dal; Hasibul Hasan, joint general secretary of RU Chhatra Dal; Bishal Chakraborty, a Chhatra Dal activist; and Ariful Islam, general secretary of Shahid Ziaur Rahman Hall Students’ Union.

The committee also recommended further investigation into allegations and evidence against Rakibul Islam, assistant cultural affairs secretary of the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU); Takbir Ahmed Emon, vice-president of RU Chhatra Dal; Syed Sajharul Islam, joint general secretary of the organisation; and Chhatra Dal activist Tanim Rahman before taking action.

It further recommended issuing warnings to Bulbul Rahman and Shariful Islam, vice-presidents of RU Chhatra Dal, and Shahriar Alam, assistant office secretary of the organisation.

On the night of 4 October, several journalists were attacked while performing their professional duties in front of Shahid Ziaur Rahman Hall. At least 10 people, including four journalists, were injured.

Following the incident, the university administration formed the five-member probe committee. After meeting journalists, the vice-chancellor directed the committee to submit its report within 72 hours.