DU issues show-cause notice to 403 students over July uprising violence

Dhaka University has issued show-cause notices to 403 Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) leaders and activists for their involvement in the illegal and violent incidents that took place on and around the campus during the July uprising.

 

According to an official Notice issued by the university’s Public Relations Office on Tuesday evening, the accused students have been asked to explain within seven working days why they should not be permanently expelled from the university. They must submit their written replies to the Office of the Proctor within this period.

 

The Notice stated that following the campus violence between July 15 and August 5 of 2024, the university authorities formed a fact-finding committee to identify those involved. The committee initially accused 128 students in its report. Based on this report, the Syndicate, in its meeting held on March 17, decided to suspend those 128 students temporarily.

 

Later, the Syndicate formed a five-member investigation committee to conduct a further probe into the incidents. The committee found involvement of a total of 403 students, including the previously suspended 128.

 

The university administration has now issued show-cause notices to all 403 students, asking why they should not face permanent expulsion.

 

The Notice mentioned that if any of the accused students fail to respond within the given deadline, the university will take unilateral action against them as per its regulations.

 

The notice also includes a list of 403 accused students. The attached list includes the names of top BCL leaders, such as central president Saddam Hossain, general secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan, DU unit president Mazharul Kabir Shayon, and general secretary Tanvir Hasan Saikat, along with many other leaders from the central, university, and Hall committees.

 

On July 15, 2024, BCL activists attacked students who were protesting for quota reform. The violence continued in various forms until August 5. According to the university authorities, the list of involved students was prepared based on video footage, photographs, and other evidence collected from those incidents.