Only 83 Out of 403 BCL Leaders Respond to DU Show-Cause Notice

Despite the passage of 18 months since the July mass uprising, the final disciplinary actions against the leaders and activists of the banned organization, Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), involved in attacks on Dhaka University (DU) students remain stalled. Out of 403 accused members, only 83 have responded to the show-cause notices issued by the university administration.

The update was provided by Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed during a press conference held today at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban, where the administration highlighted its activities and achievements from August 2024 to January 2026.

The Breakdown of Accused and Responses

The investigation into the violence that occurred between July 15 and August 5, 2024, has seen several phases:

• Initial Action: 128 students were initially suspended based on a fact-finding committee report.

• Expanded Probe: A secondary investigation identified a total of 403 students, including the central President and General Secretary of the now-banned BCL.

• Current Status: Only 83 individuals have submitted their explanations via written or online channels following the notices issued last November.

Verification and Looming Penalties

The Proctor stated that the administration is currently verifying the academic status of the 83 respondents through their respective departments and residential halls.

"We received their information last Wednesday. We will evaluate their justifications in a meeting this week. Cases of those who failed to respond will be presented directly to the Disciplinary Board, followed by a final decision at the Syndicate meeting," Prof. Saifuddin explained.

The original notice warned that failure to respond within seven working days would lead to unilateral disciplinary action, including permanent expulsion from the university.

Frustration Among DUCSU Leaders

The delay in delivering justice has sparked significant outrage among the leaders of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU). Attending the press conference, DUCSU VP Sadik Kayem and other representatives expressed their frustration over the fact that a year and a half has passed without a final verdict.

The student leaders emphasized that the slow pace of the trial process undermines the spirit of the "July Revolution" and called for immediate permanent expulsions of those involved in the "brutal and illegal" attacks on general students.

Timeline of the Investigation

• July–August 2024: Violent attacks on students by BCL cadres.

• Post-August 2024: Fact-finding committee formed by the new administration.

• November 2025: Formal show-cause notices issued to 403 individuals.

• January 2026: Final verification of 83 responses underway; others face one-sided expulsion.