Jahangirnagar University (JU) has temporarily suspended 16 students of the 53rd batch of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology following allegations of ragging junior students at Hall 21 (formerly Sheikh Russell Hall) late at night.

The incident took place at around 10:30pm on Sunday in Room 403 of the hall. The accused students were allegedly ragging students of the 54th batch of the same department.

An official order from the university stated that, under the direction of Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, the 16 students have been suspended temporarily in accordance with Section 4(1)(b) of the Jahangirnagar University Student Discipline Ordinance, 2018.

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

Witnesses reported that at around 10:30pm on 12 October, several students informed Proctor Prof AKM Rashedul Alam and Hall 21 Provost Prof Borhan Uddin, who arrived at the scene along with Hall 21 General Secretary Wali Ullah Al-Mahdi, AFM Kamaluddin Hall General Secretary Mohammad Abrar Shahriar, and several hall staff members.

According to eyewitnesses, a student was stationed outside the room as a guard. When he tried to alert others inside, he was reportedly stopped.

Upon entering the locked room, witnesses found junior students lined up with their mobile phones confiscated and placed aside. The junior students appeared too frightened to speak.

During questioning, the accused students claimed they were “discussing the fresher’s reception program” and that the room was locked because students in the adjacent room were taking exams. One of the accused, Tanvir, stated, “No ragging took place. We were only talking about the fresher’s reception.”

However, Hall 21 General Secretary Wali Ullah Al-Mahdi said, “When we arrived, the juniors were lined up with doors and windows closed. They were terrified, and their phones had been taken away. We reported the matter to the administration. No leniency will be shown in cases of ragging.”

JU Central Students’ Union (Jucsu) General Secretary, Md Majharul Islam, added, “I have spoken with the affected students, hall representatives, provost, and proctor. According to all accounts, there is clear evidence of ragging. Strict punishment will be ensured against the accused.”

Proctor Prof AKM Rashedul Alam confirmed, “We have been informed of the incident, and the hall administration has already taken action. Further decisions will be based on the investigation.”

To investigate the incident, the university administration has formed a three-member committee. The committee is headed by the Provost of Maulana Bhasani Hall, Prof Md Kamruzzaman, with Assistant Proctor Md Al-Amin Khan and Deputy Registrar (Higher Education & Scholarships) Lutfur Rahman Arif as members.

The committee has been instructed to submit its investigation report and recommendations within 21 working days.