Attack on journalists at RU: Probe body recommends suspension of four students

The probe committee formed over the attack on journalists at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall of Rajshahi University (RU) has recommended the suspension of four students, further investigation into four others, and warnings for three students.

RU Vice-Chancellor Prof Faridul Islam disclosed the recommendations at a press briefing held this afternoon.

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Those recommended for temporary suspension are Ahsan Habib, a 2013-14 academic year student of the Department of Law and vice-president of the university unit Chhatra Dal; Hasibul Islam Hasib, a 2017-18 student of the Department of History and joint general secretary of the organisation; Bishal Chakraborty, a 2021-22 student of the Department of Economics and a Chhatra Dal leader; and Ariful Islam, general secretary of Ziaur Rahman Hall parliament, for his alleged role in instigating the incident.

The committee recommended further investigation into allegations and available evidence against Takbir Ahmed Emon, a 2017-18 student of the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) and Chhatra Dal vice-president; Syed Sajharul Islam, a 2019-20 student of the Department of Management and the organisation’s assistant general secretary; and Tanim Rahman, a student of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism and a Chhatra Dal activist.

It also recommended further investigation before taking action against Rakibul Islam, assistant cultural affairs secretary of the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (Rucsu), for his alleged role in instigating the incident.

Meanwhile, the committee recommended warnings for Chhatra Dal vice-presidents Bulbul Rahman and Shariful Islam, and assistant office secretary Shahriar Alam.

At the briefing, the vice-chancellor said the probe committee had submitted its report within 72 hours and made three recommendations.

“The report clearly states that further investigation is needed into the matter. Everyone must remain patient until the further investigation is completed,” he said.

Prof Rezaul Karim, convener of the probe committee, said Ariful Islam and Rakibul had played roles in instigating recent incidents.

“We recommended the suspension of Ariful Islam’s studentship based on the information and evidence available to us,” he said.