BMU dismisses 19 over murder attempt, vandalism during July Uprising

Authorities at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) have expelled 19 people, including doctors, over their alleged involvement in murder attempts, vandalism and an arson attack in the cabin block area during last year's Anti-discrimination Student Movement.

On January 5, the authorities had temporarily suspended 15 people, including two doctors, over the allegations. In total, the administration has now punished 34 people in two rounds over the incident.

BMU Proctor Sheikh Farhad Hossain said that a disciplinary committee was formed to probe the incidents in the cabin block area on August 4 last year, the day before the Awami League government fell.

The committee used video footage, media reports, and videos posted on social media as proof of the attacks on students and the public, the proctor said.

“After an investigation, the committee recommended punitive actions against 19 of the 25 people it probed. Among the group of 25, at least two people have already faced disciplinary action in the first round in which 15 were punished. The committee did not have enough evidence against four people and said it would go for further investigations. They recommended dismissing the other 19.”

“Accordingly, the syndicate approved the decision to dismiss them in its meeting on Saturday. In total, 34 people now face disciplinary action.”

The protesters gathered at Shahbagh on August 4 last year, as part of the movement to topple the government. On that day, a group of workers from Chawkbazar in Old Dhaka gathered at Shahbagh with sticks in their hands around 10:30 am. At that time, the leaders and activists of the Awami League and its student wing Chhatra League, were chanting slogans.

When the two groups faced each other, a section of the protesters threw brickbats. At one point, the protesters chased the leaders and activists of the Awami League and Chhatra League and they went inside the hospital. Later, the protesters broke into the hospital and dispersed the Awami League leaders and activists.

Several vehicles, including an ambulance, were vandalised on the hospital premises, while some motorcycles and buses were burnt.

After the fall of the government, the interim government came to power and took the initiative on punitive action against the doctors, officials and employees of the BMU who were involved in the incident.bdnew