403 BCL members get DU show-cause

The Dhaka University (DU) on Tuesday issued show-cause notices to 403 student leaders and activists of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) for their involvement in illegal and violent incidents that took place at the campus and nearby areas during the July Uprising.

According to an official notice issued by the university's Public Relations Office, 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 DU Syndicate, which is the highest governing body of the institution, in its meeting held on March 17, decided to suspend those 128 students.

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

The DU administration issued show-cause notices to all 403 students, asking why they should not face expulsion. The notice mentioned that if any of the accused students fail to respond, the DU will take 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 Saddam Hossain, central president, Sheikh Wali Asif Enan, general secretary, Mazharul Kabir Shayon, DU unit president, and Tanvir Hasan Saikat, general secretary, along with many other leaders from the central, university, and hall committees.