DU suspends 128 students over attacks on protesters during July uprising

Dhaka, Mar 17 (V7N) – Dhaka University has suspended 128 students for their involvement in attacks on protesters during the student-led uprising from July 15 to August 5 on the university campus.
The decision was made at a syndicate meeting on Monday, based on the findings of a fact-finding committee formed to investigate the attacks.

The suspended students are reportedly affiliated with the banned student organization Chhatra League. However, their names and identities could not be immediately confirmed.

A new probe committee has also been formed to further scrutinize the initial report before making a decision on punishment.

This suspension is not considered a punishment but a measure to keep these students suspended while further investigations are conducted without interruption, said Kazi Mahfuzul Islam Supon, convener of the fact-finding committee.

“The number of attackers mentioned in the fact-finding report is more than 128. The syndicate decided to suspend 128 DU students initially. A new probe committee has been formed to scrutinize the fact-finding report. The final decision on their punishment will come after the new committee submits its report,” Supon told Dhaka Tribune.

However, last Tuesday, when the fact-finding committee handed over the report to the DU vice-chancellor, Supon told reporters that 122 DU students were found to be involved in the attack.

When asked about the matter, he told this correspondent that these 122 students were directly identified as attacking others with sticks.

As the total number of attackers is much higher, the syndicate decided to temporarily suspend 128 DU students based on their findings.

Regarding the syndicate’s decision, Dhaka University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed told Dhaka Tribune: “As per today’s syndicate meeting, it has been decided to initially suspend 128 students.”

He further said that the university has formed another committee, headed by Professor Tajmeri SA Islam, a syndicate member.

The final decision regarding those involved will be based on the new committee’s report.

The committee includes Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, dean of the Faculty of Arts, Kazi Mahfuzul Islam Supon, convener of the previous fact-finding committee and provost of Sir AF Rahman Hall, Saifuddin Ahmed, the proctor of Dhaka University along with other members, confirmed Saifuddin.

When asked about the involvement of teachers, Saifuddin said a separate committee is investigating their role in the attacks.