Rangpur: Students of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) from a human chain programme today firmly demanded permanent expulsion of the 71 students involved in Abu Sayeed’s murder within three days. Earlier, at the university’s 109th syndicate meeting on January 5, 71 students involved in attacks on students, vandalism, and the murder of martyr Abu Sayeed were temporarily expelled for only one or two semesters.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, after learning the list of those temporarily expelled, the university’s common students strongly opposed the decision today. In protest, ordinary students formed a human chain at the university’s media complex this afternoon. Addressing the human chain, coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, SM Ashiqur Rahman, stated that the students do not accept this decision of the university administration.
Ashiqur Rahman warned, “If the administration does not permanently expel them within three days, we will stop all administrative activities. Many officials and employees involved in the attacks are still working. We want their punishment.” Another coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, Ahsan Habib, added, “When the incumbent Vice-chancellor was appointed in BRUR after the July-August Revolution, he promised us to ensure justice.”
Ahsan Habib expressed dissatisfaction by stating, “Even after six months of the murder of Abu Sayeed, the Vice-chancellor only ordered expulsion of those 71 students involved in the crimes for only one or two semesters, which is not desirable in any way. We do not accept this decision.” Shamsur Rahman Suman emphasized, “We will not accept the punishment of these terrorists for two semesters or one semester. Each and every one of those who attacked students with sharp weapons should be permanently expelled. We reject the punishment meted out by the administration.”
Earlier on January 5, immediately after the 109th syndicate meeting of the university, Vice-chancellor Professor Dr Md Showkat Ali informed journalists that punitive action was taken against 71 students of the university involved in the murder of Shaheed Abu Sayeed. He mentioned that 71 students involved in opposing and attacking the July Revolution student movement were brought under punishment for various terms on the recommendation of the university’s disciplinary committee.
Additionally, nine teachers, officials, and employees involved in the same incident, along with the former proctor arrested by the police, had already been suspended. “Further action will be taken against them as per the Government Servants Discipline and Appeal Rules 2018 for not responding to the show cause letter,” the Vice-chancellor added. The supreme sacrifice of Abu Sayeed on July 16 transformed the nation-wide anti-discrimination student-people movement into an unstoppable popular uprising that eventually ousted then-fascist Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5.