Dhaka: Jahangirnagar University administration on Saturday expelled six activists of Bangladesh Chhattra League, a pro-government students’ body, on charges of various offences, including molestation, stalking, snatching and clashing.

University registrar Abu Bakar Siddique at about 8:15pm announced the expulsion following a syndicate meeting at the vice-chancellor’s office on the campus.

The syndicate meeting, chaired by vice-chancellor Farzana Islam, ordered permanent expulsion of Batch 42 student of journalism and media studies department Nishat Islam Bijoy, Batch 42 chemistry student Nafiz Islam, Batch 43 geography and environment department student Rakib Hasan, and Batch 43 anthropology students Abdur Rahman Ifti and Nurul Kabir.

Among them Nishat Islam is a BCL university unit member and Nafiz Islam is the Shahid Salam Barkat Hall unit publicity secretary. Others are activists of BCL.

Registrar Abu Bakar Siddique said they were expelled for committing several offences that include sexually harassment of an indigenous female student on 14 April during Pahela Baishakh celebrations, snatching of goods from campus people, and spreading violence and clash.

The syndicate also expelled Batch 41 Drama and Dramatics student Hamza Rahman Antar, also the BCL university unit member, for three months on charge of spreading colour pigments on a female student on the campus on 6 March during Dol festival, he added.

Students protesting at the incidents for more than a month celebrated victory at the punishment of the offenders.

Nipiraner Biruddhe Jahangirnagar [Jahangirnagar against Oppression], a students’ body against varied form of oppressions, led the protests.

‘We welcome the order. Now, we will ask the university authorities to secure the campus by implementing the decision. We thank the administration,’ said Atia Ferdousy Chaity, an economics student.

Complaints and expulsions

An indigenous student complained of being sexually attacked by five BCL activists on 14 April. University authorities on 17 April temporarily expelled the students and ordered further inquiry.

University BCL committee also expelled the five leaders and activists following the incident.

But the students continued the protests and demanded tough punishment of the offenders.

The investigation body finalised its report on 11 May and on 21 May the university disciplinary body suggested penalty of five students.

Anti-sexual Harassment Cell chief Professor Rasheda Akhter said they held 14 meetings and suggested punishment of the wrongdoers.