Jahangirnagar University authorities have suspended nine teachers, 289 students and three employees for their involvement in 鈥榙irecting and instigating鈥� attacks on student protesters during the mass uprising that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led regime on August 5, 2024.
Additionally, the university revoked the pension benefits of former vice-chancellor Nurul Alam and former registrar Abu Hasan, who had already retired, for their role in the attacks.
A total of 289 students, activists of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League, were also suspended on accuse of directly attacking protesters, said JU administration.
These decisions were made during a syndicate meeting on Monday, presided over by JU vice-chancellor professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan.
While addressing the news media, the VC said that the measures were based on the findings by a probe body investigating the attacks that took place on July 15, 16, and 17 on the campus.
The suspended teachers include former pro-VC professor Mostofa Feeroz, former dean Professor Bashir Ahmed, former proctors Professor Alamgir Kabir and associate professor ASM Firoz-ul-Hasan, along with Professors Hosneara Parvin, Nazmul Ahsan Talukdar, Israfil Ahmed Rangan, associate professor Mehdi Iqbal, and Tajuddin Sikdar.
JU authorities stated that these individuals directed BCL members and police in the attacks. Another 10 teachers were also found complicit.
Among the suspended employees are Nahidur and Razib from the registrar鈥檚 office and Mohsin, a staff member at Bangabandhu Hall.
The university has set up a 鈥榮tructured committee鈥� to determine further disciplinary actions based on the severity of misconduct.
Regarding the 289 expelled BCL activists, their academic punishments vary. Those who completed studies will have their certificates withheld, those who took exams will see their results suspended, and current students face temporary expulsion.
A further investigation committee will decide their final penalties, JU administration said.
Responding to the students鈥� demands, the university has decided to rename certain campus buildings associated with the Sheikh family. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, Sheikh Russel Hall, and Sheikh Hasina Hall will be renamed based on a committee鈥檚 recommendations.
Furthermore, July 15 has been officially declared as 鈥楤lack Night鈥� in JU history. In that night, BCL men from JU and nearby upazilas attacked students with sharp weapons in the presence of JU authorities and law enforcement people.
Police opened fire on students trying to resist the attacks, leaving over 50 students, teachers, and journalists injured.
On Monday, Dhaka University primarily expelled 128 students for their involvement in attacks on protesters during the student-led mass uprising from July 15 to August 5.
Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology also expelled 19 students on similar ground citing breach of discipline during the movement.
