Five Non-DU Chhatra League Members Among Expelled DU Students

Staff Correspondent

The University of Dhaka has come under scrutiny after its announcement to expel 128 students over violence during the 2024 quota reform protests. Among the expelled are five individuals who are not DU students, including two from Jagannath University, one from Dhaka’s Government Bangla College, and one individual whose educational background remains unidentified.

The expulsion list, published on Tuesday, revealed these irregularities, sparking protests on campus. Students allege that while many Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) leaders involved in the violence remain excluded from the list, innocent students have been named.

Who Are They?
The list includes detailed information such as department, hall, position, address, and charges against the accused.

– Rizvi Ahmed Khoka (Serial 77): Identified as an “outsider,” his hall and position entry state that he “associated with Netrokona Chhatra League activists at DU.” The list accuses him of direct involvement in the July 15, 2024, attack on students.
– Rubel Khan (Serial 80): No department or session listed. Associated with Kuakata Chhatra League and identified as a follower of BCL General Secretary Wali Asif Inan. Accused of being among the most aggressive attackers, including assaults on women.
– Ibrahim Hossain Sanim (Serial 82): Department listed as “Theater Studies, Jagannath University,” where he held a vice-president position in the JnU BCL. Allegedly attacked female students at the DU Vice-Chancellor’s residence area.
– Mahmudul Hasan Akash (Serial 121): Listed under “Marketing,” affiliated with JnU’s Marketing Unit BCL as president. Accused of leading an attack on protesting students, wielding a stick at the front of a rally.
– Md. Akhtar Hossain Ruman (Serial 126): Affiliated with Government Bangla College. Accused of assaulting two female students with a stick.

“Grammatical Errors”
Investigation committee head Kazi Mahfuzul Islam Supan admitted the inclusion of non-DU individuals was a “grammatical error.” “We cannot expel those who are not DU students. We have informed the respective institutions to take action, and if no institution is found, the police will be notified,” he stated.

Protests and Demands
Following the publication of the list, protests erupted on campus. Students marched from residential halls to the Vice-Chancellor’s office, demanding explanations for the incomplete and seemingly biased list.

Student representative Abdur Rahman Al Fahad stated, “We demand a clear explanation within 24 hours regarding the incomplete list. The university must issue a notice promising to revise and expand the list.”

In response, Mahfuzul Islam reassured students, saying, “This is not the final list. We have identified only 25% of those involved. Completing the list is a challenge, but efforts will continue.”

The protests concluded after this assurance, with students returning to their halls.