PSTU Fresher Hospitalized in Critical Condition After Severe Ragging Despite Reporting Illness

A first-year student of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) was hospitalized in critical condition after falling seriously ill during a brutal ragging session at the university's Bijoy-24 Hall. Despite repeatedly pleading about his physical illness, senior students allegedly ignored his condition and subjected him to intense physical and mental harassment.

The incident took place on Wednesday night (August 12) inside the common room of Bijoy-24 Hall. The victim, Habib, is a student of the Department of Law and Land Administration for the 2025–26 academic session.

According to affected freshers, newly enrolled students from various faculties were summoned to the hall common room under the guise of an introductory session. They were lined up, threatened, and subjected to severe ragging. Perpetrators hurled obscene profanities targeting the freshers' parents, blew cigarette smoke directly into their faces, and forced them to perform continuous squats while holding their ears. Students were also instructed to count backward from 100, and any mistake forced them to restart the painful punishment from the beginning.

During the introduction process, Habib grew visibly anxious and informed the senior students about his existing physical illness. However, rather than excusing him, seniors reportedly intensified their verbal abuse. When he stepped forward out of distress to reiterate his condition, he was met with further insults and forced to resume squatting.

Around 11:00 PM, Habib suddenly collapsed. His hands and feet turned ice-cold and grew completely numb. Two classmates rushed him to the hall's general room, but as his condition rapidly deteriorated, he was immediately transported to the Dumki Upazila Health Complex. Due to the severity of his condition, he was subsequently transferred to the Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal for advanced medical care.

Providing an update on his condition, a classmate stated that Habib is currently stable, though he experiences difficulties walking and slight speech impediments. Attending physicians have recommended an MRI scan, and he will remain under intensive medical observation for the next 24 hours.

In response to the incident, the university administration has promptly formed a high-level investigation committee. Bijoy-24 Hall Provost Prof. Dr. Md. Masudur Rahman has been appointed as the convener. Other members include Proctor Prof. Abul Bashar Khan, Director of Student Advisory and Guidance Md. Abdur Rahim, and Associate Professor Md. Faisal, with Associate Professor Md. Nazrul Islam serving as the member secretary. The committee has been directed to complete its investigation and submit comprehensive recommendations and clear findings within three working days.

Bijoy-24 Hall Provost Prof. Dr. Masudur Rahman described the incident as unexpected and isolated. He noted that assistant provosts monitored the situation on-site until 2:30 AM, emphasizing that the administration maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward ragging and will penalize those found responsible based on the probe report.

PSTU Proctor Prof. Abul Bashar Khan stated that administration officials are actively monitoring the situation and have personally spoken with the victim. He reiterated that a thorough investigation is underway and definitive action will be taken within three working days. Condemning the incident, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. S. M. Hemayet Jahan labeled ragging as an unacceptable subculture, declaring that individuals involved in such barbaric practices forfeit their eligibility to study at the university. He stressed that a zero-tolerance stance will be strictly enforced to ensure such incidents are never repeated.