HSTU to Crack Down 102 Chhatra League Activists

Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) in Dinajpur has initiated disciplinary action against 102 members of its Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) unit for their alleged involvement in attacks on students during protests between 15 July and 5 August 2024, university officials confirmed.

A fact-finding committee, formed to investigate the incidents, identified the accused following a thorough probe. The committee’s report revealed that BCL members allegedly stockpiled weapons and carried out armed assaults on protesting students. On 5 August 2024, authorities recovered these weapons during a campus raid.

The committee categorized the 102 accused into two groups: 85 individuals in one list and 17 in another, based on the severity of their alleged offenses. Recommended penalties include lifetime expulsion, two- to three-year suspensions, certificate cancellation or withholding, and potential criminal charges under state law.

The university’s Regent Board approved the disciplinary measures during its 59th meeting. Notifications have been issued to the accused, granting them an opportunity to present their defense. Professor Md. Shamsuzzoha, Proctor and Member-Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee, emphasized the administration’s commitment to exemplary punishment to deter future misconduct. “These measures aim to ensure such unethical acts are not repeated,” he said.

Newly appointed Registrar Abu Hasan added, “Based on the Disciplinary Committee’s recommendations, the Regent Board has finalized its decision. We are issuing letters to the accused, and after reviewing their responses, criminal cases will be filed if necessary.”

The administration stated that decisions regarding criminal charges will be finalized in the next meeting after evaluating the responses. The university will directly file any resulting legal cases.