Rangpur Bagchas leader accused of caning 50 pupils suspended

The Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad (Bagchas) has suspended Imtiaz Ahmmod Imty, convener of its Rangpur Metropolitan Committee, following allegations that he beat more than 50 students with a wooden stick inside classrooms at Harati High School.

The suspension was announced on Wednesday night through a notice signed by Bagchas central convener Abu Baker Majumder and member secretary Jahid Ahsan, shared on the organisation’s verified Facebook page. The notice cited “violating organisational discipline and engaging in activities contrary to the ideals and interests of the organisation” as the reason for Imty’s suspension.

A three-member investigation committee has been formed to probe the incident. The panel includes senior joint convener Abu Touhid Md Siam, senior organiser Nayeem Abedin, and member Mohammad Arshad Hossain, with a directive to submit a report within 72 hours.

Mahfuzur Rahman, joint member secretary (office) of the central committee, confirmed the suspension and said the investigation team arrived in Rangpur last night and began its inquiry this morning.

According to complaints, on the afternoon of September 4, Imty, who also serves as convener of the school’s managing committee, allegedly entered classrooms and assaulted students of classes eight, nine, and ten who had failed their half-yearly exams. Witnesses reported that 10 to 15 students later fell ill, and one tenth-grade girl required hospital treatment.

The incident sparked outrage among parents and local residents. A guardian has filed a general diary (GD) with Parshuram Police Station under Rangpur Metropolitan Police in connection with the assault.