Four face studentship cancellation over attack on journalists

A probe committee at Rajshahi University (RU) has recommended the temporary cancellation of the studentship of four individuals, including three Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal activists and a student leader, in connection with the October 4 assault on journalists on campus.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Faridul Islam disclosed the recommendations to reporters at the university’s conference room on Friday (October 9). A five-member committee had been constituted to identify those implicated in the incident outside Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall and to propose appropriate disciplinary measures. Subsequently, it submitted its unanimous written report to the university authorities late on Thursday night, after scrutinising the evidence and weighing the nature and gravity of the alleged offences.

Specifically, the panel advised temporarily revoking the studentship of Ahsan Habib, vice-president of RU Chhatra Dal; Bishal Chakraborty, a Chhatra Dal activist; Hasibul Hasan, joint general secretary of RU Chhatra Dal; and Ariful Islam, general secretary of the Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall student union. Meanwhile, it called for further investigation into allegations against four others, among them Rakibul Islam, joint cultural affairs secretary of the RU Central Students’ Union (RUCSU), whereas three Chhatra Dal leaders were recommended for a formal warning.

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The assault occurred on October 4 as several journalists were discharging their professional duties outside the hall, leaving at least 10 people, including four journalists, injured. In the aftermath, the administration established the inquiry panel following a meeting with journalists and instructed it to submit its findings within 72 hours. Consequently, the committee’s recommendations now rest with the university authorities, who must decide whether to implement the proposed sanctions.