2 BCL leaders expelled over extortion

Bangladesh Chhatra League yesterday expelled two of its DU unit leaders, who were earlier sent to jail for extorting people while posing as police officials at the Ekushey Book Fair in the capital's Suhrawardy Udyan.

Mohaimenul Islam Emon, vice-president of Surja Sen Hall BCL, and Rajib Hossain Robin, vice-president of Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Huq Hall BCL, were expelled for breaching discipline and tarnishing the organisation's image, said a party press release yesterday.

On Friday, a Dhaka court sent the duo to jail in a case filed with Shahbagh Police Station after police arrested them from Suhrawardy Udyan for allegedly extorting four people while posing as police officials Thursday night.

Similarly on February 12, the BCL expelled 21 leaders and activists, 15 of whom were of the DU unit, for violating organisational discipline.

According to BCL insiders, they were expelled after being accused of mugging and fighting for dominance in dormitories.

Five of the 15 expelled DU BCL activists were also suspended by the university.

The DU administration is yet to take academic action against Emon and Robin.

"Following an investigation, we will take disciplinary action against the accused students in accordance with university rules," said DU Proctor AKM Golam Rabbani.