DU show-causes 403 BCL activists over July 2024 violence

Dhaka University authorities have show-caused 403 leaders and activists of the banned Chhatra League (BCL) over their alleged involvement in the attacks on protesting students during the July Uprising -- between July 15 to August 5, 2024.

The show-cause notice, signed by Proctor Prof Saifuddin Ahmed, also the member secretary of the university's probe committee on the July incidents, was issued on November 2 and circulated to the media by the DU Public Relations Office today.

The notice said an earlier fact-finding committee had identified the involvement of 128 students and recommended suspension. Later, a five-member investigation committee formed by the syndicate found the involvement of a total of 403 students, including the previously accused 128.

The accused have been asked to submit written explanation in seven working days on why they should not be expelled from the university.

The notice warned that failure to respond within the given timeframe would result in one-sided disciplinary action in accordance with DU regulations.

Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed told the media that the university would also recommend cancelling the degree certificates of those students who have already graduated. "The final decision regarding the matter will be made in the syndicate meeting," he added.

Among those show-caused are top BCL leaders, including central president Saddam Hossain, general secretary Sheikh Wali Inan, DU unit president Mazharul Kabir Shayon, and general secretary Tanvir Hasan Saikat, along with almost all hall-level presidents and general secretaries.

Notable names include Riazul Islam and Munem Shahriar Mun of Sir A F Rahman Hall; Azharul Islam Mamun of Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall; Kamal Uddin Rana of Shahid Sergeant Zahurul Huq Hall; Shahidul Haque Shishir and Mohammad Hossain of Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall; Tanvir Shikder of Salimullah Muslim Hall; Sajibur Rahman and Abu Yunus of Bijoy Ekattor Hall; Kajol Das and Atonu Barman of Jagannath Hall; Mariam Zaman Khan Sohan and Siam Rahman of Surja Sen Hall; Zahidul Islam and Sharif Ahmed Munim of Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall; Enayet H Monon and Imdadul Haque Sohag of Amar Ekushey Hall; and Anwar Hossain Nayeem and Abu Hasib Mukter of Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall.

Female hall leaders include Rokeya Hall president Antra Das Pritha and general secretary Atika Binte Hossain; Shamsunnahar Hall's Khadija Akter Urmi and Nusrat Rubaiyat Neela; Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall's Kohinur Akter Rakhi and Sanjina Yasmin; Begum Sufia Kamal Hall's Pooja Karmakar and Rima Akter Dolly; and Kuwait Maitree Hall's Razia Sultana Kotha and Jannatul Hawa Akhi.

The list notably excludes Ziaur Rahman Hall's general secretary Hasibul Islam Shanto but includes Eden College BCL president Tamanna Jesmin Riva.