HSTU to punish 79 students over violence during anti-discrimination movement

Authorities of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) in Dinajpur have recommended punishing 79 students for their alleged involvement in violence during last year's anti-discrimination student movement.

The punishments range from cancellation of certificates and lifetime expulsion to temporary suspension, according to an office order signed by Registrar Prof Md Abu Hasan on Tuesday.

A fact-finding committee investigated clashes between the now-banned Chhatra League activists and anti-discrimination protesters and divided the accused into two categories based on the severity of their offences.

Of the 79 students, 41 were placed in Category A, accused of carrying out armed attacks, assaulting peers, possessing weapons in dorms, and joining armed processions. The punishments recommended for them include cancellation of certificates, lifetime expulsion, and legal action.

Another 38 students were placed in Category B for allegedly opposing the anti-discrimination movement and joining counter-processions. They are to receive punishments of two to three years' suspension.

An analysis of the list shows that 27 of the accused held posts in the university unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League, one was a Shibir leader, and others were activists and general students. Four of them currently serve as officials at the university. The accused belong to batches 14 to 22, with many having already completed their undergraduate studies.

At its 22nd meeting, the university's Housing and Discipline Board recommended punishments, which were later endorsed in principle at the Regent Board's 59th meeting on May 29. The board also decided to suspend the certificates of graduates under investigation while giving them the chance to defend themselves.

Prof Shafiqul Islam Sikder, pro-vice chancellor of HSTU, told The Daily Star, "A preliminary list of 79 students was published based on primary evidence. We have started serving them written notices regarding the allegations today, and the next course of action will be determined after reviewing their responses."