PABNA, July 23 (V7N) — A first-year student of the Pharmacy Department at Pabna University of Science and Technology (PUST) has allegedly been subjected to ragging by senior students, leaving him hospitalised for treatment.
The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday (July 21). The victim, identified as Mushfiqur Rahman Tuhin, a student of the 2025–26 academic session (18th batch), was later transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.
Several students from the 2024–25 academic session (17th batch) of the same department have been accused of involvement in the incident. The accused students were identified as Sohanur, Sakib, Zahid, Tanim, Yunus, Mushfiq and Saidur, among others.
According to sources, at around 1:30pm on Tuesday, some senior students instructed all male students of the 18th batch to gather at a mess near Bangla Clinic area in Pabna municipality by 3:30pm.
After the junior students arrived, the seniors allegedly questioned them, pointed out mistakes, shouted at them, used abusive language and subjected them to mental harassment.
At one stage, Mushfiq reportedly became seriously unwell due to mental stress. He began sweating heavily and suffered a panic attack. Initially, the senior students allegedly did not take his condition seriously. As his health deteriorated, he was taken to Pabna General Hospital around 8pm.
After learning about the alleged ragging incident, doctors informed police. University authorities, the department chairman and teachers visited the hospital. As his condition did not improve, Mushfiq was transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital at around 11pm.
Several first-year students said the senior students had called them to the mess and questioned them on various issues, creating mental pressure. However, they claimed no one was physically assaulted. They said Mushfiq, who had existing health complications, became more ill due to the psychological stress.
Attempts were made to contact the accused senior students for comments, but they did not respond to repeated phone calls. Sources said they have gone into hiding.
PUST Proctor Professor Dr Kamruzzaman Khan said the university administration visited the hospital and spoke with the junior students, finding preliminary evidence of a ragging incident.
“An investigation will be conducted, and appropriate action will be taken against those found responsible according to university regulations,” he said.
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