Abu Bakar murder: Dhaka University to appeal HC’s overturning of student expulsions

The authorities of Dhaka University, or DU, have moved to file an appeal at the Supreme Court to overturn a High Court decision over the expulsion of suspects in the murder of Abu Bakar Siddique, a student of the institution’s Department of Islamic History and Culture.

The decision was taken in the interest of fairness and justice, a statement issued by the university’s public relations office said on Wednesday.

The university authorities have decided to appeal to the top court against the High Court decision that scrapped the expulsion of students charged over the death of Bakar, the statement read.

Two factions of the Chhatra League clashed at AF Rahman Hall of Dhaka University on Feb 1, 2010 during a power struggle. Police conducted a drive at the hall to stop the clash. At one point, the third-year student of the Department of Islamic History and Culture was seriously injured. He died while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Feb 3.

A total of ten students were temporarily suspended from DU in a syndicate meeting held on Mar 2, 2010 for their involvement in the clash.

Two of the expelled students filed separate writ petitions with the High Court Division against the expulsion. In this context, the High Court Division ruled in favour of the plaintiffs by declaring the expulsion order illegal in 2012.

“Recently, the Dhaka University authorities decided to appeal to a higher court against the decision. The university authorities believe an appeal to the top court will pave the way for justice in the murder of student Abu Bakar Siddique,” the statement added.