The decision was taken at a meeting of provost committee, chaired by vice-chancellor (VC) Professor Akhtaruzzaman at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury senate building of the University.

The suspended students are: Hasibur Rahman Tushar of Institute of Education Research, Imran Hossain of World religion and Culture, Iftekhar Islam Tushar of Pali and Buddhist studies and Abu Bakar Alif of Philosophy department. All of them are allotted residential students of DU Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall, although not all of them are actually availing their allotment.

The decision to suspend them was taken as allegations against them of involvement in drugs and keeping arms were found to be well-founded, said DU Proctor AKM Golam Rabbani.

"If they do not reply to the show cause notice within seven days, then highest measure will be taken as per university ordinance," he added.

VC (education) Prof Nasreen Ahmad and pro-VC (administration) Prof Mohammad Samad were present at the meeting.

Earlier on October 8, Hasib and Bakar were held from Mohsin Hall with Yaba and arms  in their possession, but Imran who was with them managed to slip away.  A case was subsequently filed against all three with the police by the DU proctorial team.

The meeting today also decided that no non-students will be allowed to stay at the dormitories and seat allocation will be given on basis of merit with priority given to the honours first year students.