JU expels 64 students over attacks on protesters

Jahangirnagar University (JU) yesterday expelled 64 students for their involvement in attacks on protesting students of the anti-discrimination student movement between July 14 and 17 last year.

All of them were affiliated with the banned student group Chhatra League (BCL).

Additionally, 46 other students were suspended for different terms, while the academic certificates of 73 former students were permanently revoked.

The university syndicate, the highest decision-making body, took the decision based on a fact-finding report submitted by a probe committee formed on March 17 this year.

JU Vice Chancellor Prof Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan made the announcement following a syndicate meeting early yesterday.

The VC said, "Initially, allegations were brought against a total of 229 persons in connection with the attacks -- 130 current students and 99 former students."

"Of the 130 current students, 110 have been penalised. Among them, 64 were expelled, 37 suspended for two years, eight for one year, and one for six months," he added.

"Of the 99 former students, 79 were penalised -- 73 had their certificates permanently cancelled, and six had their certificates suspended for two years."

The investigation report will be forwarded to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for further action, the VC informed.

Out of 229 individuals, 40 students -- 20 current and 20 former -- were acquitted due to a lack of evidence.

Prof M Abdur Rab, JU treasurer and head of the probe committee, said the 40 students were acquitted as no involvement was found through direct testimony or video footage.