Shamim Molla Expelled Again by JU Administration Seven Months After Mob Killing

JU Correspondent

Jahangirnagar University (JU) administration has listed Shamim Molla, a Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) leader killed in a mob attack seven months ago, among those “temporarily expelled” despite his murder.

The absence of justice for the murder and the inclusion of his name in the punishment list have sparked outrage on campus.

Shamim, a student of the 2009-10 session in the History department, had been involved in BCL politics but had distanced himself from student politics in 2021.

On September 18, 2024, despite having no prior enmity, Vaishya activists surrounded him near the university’s main gate. Members of Chhatra Dal and Shibir joined, brutally attacking him with rods, bamboo sticks, and punches for nearly an hour.

He was taken to the university’s security office and then the proctor’s office, where he was allegedly tortured further. He endured at least four rounds of beatings. Three hours later, the police transported him to Enam Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Following the incident, Deputy Registrar Sudipto Shaheen of the university’s security branch filed a murder case at Ashulia Police Station, naming eight students and identifying 20-25 others as anonymous suspects.

On October 9, 2024, Shamim’s elder brother, Md. Shahin Alam, filed a separate case at the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court, accusing 12 individuals, including Chief Security Officer Sudipto Shaheen, Assistant Security Officer Jefrul Hasan Chowdhury Sajal, and Proctor AKM Rashidul Alam.

Despite the murder, Shamim’s name appeared in a March 27, 2025 departmental letter identifying “those involved in indiscipline.” His name topped the list.

According to administrative sources, the History department made the decision based on recommendations from an investigation committee. However, the report remains unpublished, and the accused were never officially named.

Shamim’s classmates and BCL leaders accused the administration of bias and suppressing the investigation to shield the culprits. They view Shamim’s inclusion in the punishment list as part of this cover-up.

Former BCL leader Mahbubul Haque criticized the decision on Facebook, stating, “A man brutally killed by a mob is now being expelled by the university. This is not just injustice; it is an insult.”

A university teacher described the decision as “an unimaginable precedent,” questioning the administration’s commitment to justice.

Current and former students expressed anger on social media, comparing the expulsion to “a second murder.” Shamim’s family, shocked by the expulsion notice, expressed dismay. His elder brother remarked, “Shamim is dead, and now he is being expelled? How can such cruelty be justified?”

The university authorities, including departmental heads, have yet to provide official comments on the matter. Administrative officials avoided media questions.

Seven months after the incident, the decision has reignited criticism of the university administration. A section of students has already called for the withdrawal of the departmental letter.