The authorities at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) have expelled 8 students from the institution for life due to their involvement in promoting political activities on campus, specifically to revive the Bangladesh Chhatra League’s (BCL) presence. In addition, 12 other students have been expelled for various terms, and 40 students have received other punishments or warnings.
This decision follows an investigation into the group’s attempts to reintroduce politics at BUET, which has been politically neutral for years. Last March, students connected to BCL, under the leadership of some members, were seen organizing gatherings on the campus, an act that led to widespread protests among the student body.
Professor A.K.M. Masud, Director of the Student Welfare Department at BUET, confirmed that these actions led to disciplinary measures. The names of the punished students have not been disclosed to the public.
In March 2024, Imtiaz Rabbi, a central executive member of Chhatra League from the Department of Civil Engineering, and other members like President Saddam Hossain and General Secretary Inan, held gatherings on the BUET campus, which led to a campus-wide uproar. Students boycotted classes and exams, demanding the expulsion of those involved in political activities. They specifically called for Imtiaz’s permanent removal from the university, along with other students connected to the political gatherings.
Amid these protests, the High Court temporarily suspended BUET’s decision to ban politics, allowing certain Chhatra League members to gather and pay tribute at the university’s Shaheed Minar to the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Several students from BUET, including Hasin Azfar Panth, Ashik Alam, Sagar Biswas, and others, participated in the ceremony, which was widely reported in the media.
After a thorough investigation by an administrative committee, which held 41 meetings and 7 disciplinary board sessions, BUET authorities have taken action. Professor Masud confirmed that the expelled students violated the university’s ordinances, leading to the lifetime expulsion of eight students, while the 12 others face expulsions ranging from 4 to 6 semesters.
The punishments are effective immediately, marking a strong stance by BUET against political activities on campus.
