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Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) authorities have expelled 54 leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the banned student affiliate of the Awami League, on charges of attacking students during the July Uprising and involvement in arms and drug-related transgressions.
The decision was made at the university's 237th syndicate meeting on Thursday, said Proctor Prof Mokhlesur Rahman.
As many as 19 people were expelled for life, eight for four semesters, one for three semesters, 11 for two semesters, and 15 faced temporary expulsion, he said on Saturday.
Those expelled for life include SUST Chhatra League President Khalilur Rahman, General Secretary Sajibur Rahman, Vice-President Shimul Mia, a student of the Department of Political Studies, Yusuf Hossain Titu, a student of the Bangla Department, Habibur Rahman Habib, a student of the Statistics Department, Farhan Chowdhury Arian, an organising secretary of the Anthropology Department, Lokman Hossain, a student of the Forestry and Environmental Sciences Department, Chhatra League activists Tarek Hasan from the Department of Sociology, Ilias Sani from the Department of Anthropology, Sayed Maz Zardi and Siam Khan from the Department of Physics, and Mujahidul Islam Saimun from the Department of Statistics.
Eight others were expelled for life over possession of weapons and drugs. They include Mohammad Mamun Mia of the Public Administration Department, Amit Saha of the Statistics Department, organising secretary of Chhatra League, Tariqul Islam Lyon of the Business Administration Department, and Chhatra League Vice-President Ashikur Rahman.
Chhatra League Organising Secretary Farhan Chowdhury Aryan has been expelled for life on both charges.
Meanwhile, 20 Chhatra League leaders and activists have been suspended for various terms on charges of attacking students and possession of arms and drugs.
Some students were suspended for four semesters in relation to the attack during July Uprising. They include Akash Talukder, Chhatra League Vice-President Maidul Islam Murad of the Sociology Department, Chhatra League activist Nafiuzzaman of the Bangla Department, Durjoy Sarkar Niloy of the Political Studies Department, Maruf Mia of the Department of Public Administration, Rafaun Jahan Millennium of the Department of Petroleum and Mining Engineering.
Ajay Chandra Barman of the Bangla Department and Nipesh Chandra Ghop of the Business Administration Department have been expelled for four semesters on charges of involvement in arms and drugs issues.
Some students have been expelled for two semesters for the attacks during the July Mass Movement. They include Chhatra League Vice-President of the Sociology Department Rezaul Haque Caesar, Vice-President of the Bangla Department Majidul Haque, Vice-Presidents Mohammad Rakibuzzaman, Ismail Hossain and Moniruzzaman Munna and others.
Tanvir Ahmed of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering has been expelled for three semesters on charges of involvement in arms and drugs issues.
In addition, 15 people have been temporarily suspended for criminal attacks on students from Jul 15 to Aug 5, 2024, during the Students Against Discrimination protests. A final decision will be made following further investigation.
Apart from this, eight students have been warned for possession of arms while living in the halls and drug involvement.
“We took time to bring these students to justice so that no innocent student would face unnecessary harassment. Those punished were given time and opportunity for self-defence, in person or online,” he said.
On those temporarily expelled, he added: “They will face further investigation. Until this order remains in force, they cannot attend classes or exams.”
Regarding the students who were temporarily expelled, he said: "Those who have been temporarily expelled will be further investigated. They will not be able to attend any classes or exams as long as this order remains active."