Jahangirnagar University (JU) has temporarily suspended 16 students from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology over allegations of ragging first-year students of the 54th batch.

The suspended students belong to the 53rd batch of the 2023-24 academic session.

The university administration announced the decision in an urgent press release signed by acting Director of Public Relations Mohammad Mohiuddin on Monday evening.

According to reports, the incident took place around 11:30 pm on Sunday (Oct 12) in room 403 of Hall 21 (formerly Sheikh Russel Hall).

Victims and hall representatives said that the 54th batch students were first called to the Rafique-Zubair courtyard and then directed to room 403, where around 20 freshmen were present.

Inside the room, students were asked to stand in two lines, keep their mobile phones off, and all lights, doors, and windows were shut.

They were kept in darkness for 15-20 minutes while being questioned about rules and discipline.

Following the incident, JU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan took action under the university’s 2018 Discipline Ordinance, Section 4(1)(b).

Proctor Professor Dr. A K M Rashidul Alam confirmed the suspension and said a three-member investigation committee has been formed.

The suspended students are Md. Tanvir Rahman Mun, Md. Abdullah Al Fahad, Abdullah Al Saeed, Md. Abu Talha Roni, Rajib Sheikh, SM Mahamudunnabi, Md. Abu Said, Jannatul Adan, Ahmed Arefin Ratul, Tasnimul Hasan Zubayer, Md. Mahamudul Hasan Fuad, Md. Al Hasib, Md. Abdullah Al Noman, Md. Rakibul Hasan Nibir, Md. Zahidul Islam, and Ushanta Tripura.

Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) General Secretary Mazharul Islam said, “No one involved in ragging, directly or indirectly, would be spared.”

He also urged all students to greet juniors respectfully and reject such harmful practices.

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The investigation committee is headed by Maulana Bhasani Hall Principal Professor Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, with Assistant Proctor Dr. Md. Al-Amin Khan and Deputy Registrar (Higher Education & Scholarship) Lutfur Rahman Arif as members.

The committee has been instructed to submit a detailed report and recommendations within 21 working days.