JU expels 64 students for life over Mass Uprising attacks

Jahangirnagar University has expelled 64 students for life over their involvement in attacks on protesters during last year’s mass uprising on campus from July 14 to 17. All expelled students were reportedly affiliated with the banned student political organization Chhatra League.

The university's highest decision-making body, the Syndicate, approved the disciplinary actions based on the findings of an investigation committee. Following a late-night Syndicate meeting on Monday, Vice-Chancellor Professor Kamrul Ahsan confirmed the decisions.

Of the 130 current students 64 were expelled for life, 37 suspended for two years, 8 suspended for one year and 1 suspended for six months.

Among the 99 former students 73 had their academic certificates permanently revoked and 6 had their certificates suspended for two years.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kamrul Ahsan stated, “the Syndicate has taken action in accordance with the severity of each individual’s involvement. This was necessary to uphold the integrity and discipline of the university.”

The Vice-Chancellor also noted that armed outsiders and members of law enforcement reportedly participated in the attacks alongside Chhatra League members. As their actions fall outside the university’s jurisdiction, a portion of the investigation report will be submitted to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for further legal action.

The investigation also cleared 40 accused students 20 current and 20 former due to lack of evidence. When asked about the basis for their acquittal, the Vice-Chancellor declined to comment.

However, Prof. Abdur Rob, the university’s Treasurer and head of the supplementary investigation committee, explained: “We found no direct or indirect evidence linking them to the attacks. Neither eyewitness accounts nor video analysis supported their involvement.”