Buet students punished for 'militancy'

The Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) yesterday suspended a student for one semester for alleged involvement in militancy. Leaders of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) captured eight Buet students including Atikur Rahman Riad, a third year mechanical engineering student, and handed them over to the authorities.

Three students including Riad were expelled from their dormitory permanently as well. The decision came after some jihadi books, militancy related video clips, and leaflets of Islami Shasantantra Chhatra Andolan, a pro-Islami Shashantantra Andolon Bangladesh student organisation backed by Chormonai pir, was found in their possession, said Dr Delwar Hossain, director of students' welfare.

Acknowledging that the religion-based political party is a legitimate organisation, he claimed that the siezed materials gave rise to the suspicion that they could create unrest on the campus anytime.

ATM Hemayet Uddin, a top leader of Islami Shashantantra Andolon's city unit, could not be contacted despite several phone calls.

“We will hand over the evidence to police to verify whether they are linked with militancy,” Delwar added.

The other five promised in writhing that they would not get involved in such activities any more, he added.