DU administration’s decision to expel 128 students for their involvement in the July attacks has sparked widespread criticism, with students demanding answers over the exclusion of key perpetrators. Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions, with many questioning integrity of the investigation and fairness of the list.
The recently published expulsion list of DU students has sparked widespread controversy, with major perpetrators like Tanbir Hasan Saikat, General Secretary of Dhaka University (DU) unit Chhatra League (currently arrested), and Abu Yunus, General Secretary of Bijoy Ekattor Hall unit Chattra League, missing from the list.
Notably, no students from the Faculty of Science or any female students were named, despite clear evidence of their involvement.
Bijoy Ekattor Hall had the highest number of expulsions, including some innocent students, while Jagannath Hall, despite its significant role in the July violence, saw only two expulsions.
Moreover, at least 10–15 students with documented criminal activities captured on CCTV footage were excluded from the list, raising serious concerns over the transparency and fairness of the investigation.
Missing names, unanswered questions
Many students have pointed out that high-profile names such as Tanvir Hasan Saikat, Secretary of the DU Chhatra League, and Abu Yunus, Secretary of Bijoy Ekattor Hall Unit Chhatra League, are missing from the list, despite clear video evidence identifying them.
Shariful Islam KD and AB Zubair, among others, have publicly demanded an explanation, asking under whose influence these names were excluded. In response, student groups have rejected the list and announced protest marches.
A Joint Member Secretary of Bangladesh Democratic Students Council (BDSC), DU Unit, wrote, "Only 128 students have been expelled. The number of vice presidents alone exceeds this." This statement underscores student concerns that the scale of punishment does not match the magnitude of the violence.
Students cite underreported figures
Many students believe the actual number of perpetrators is far higher. Md Imdadul Haque Milon, a student from the 2021-22 academic session, commented, "It should have been at least 500+. Everything happened right before our eyes. Everyone is identified! Yet…"
Similarly, Sultanul Arefin, from Islamic History and Culture department (2020-21), estimated that at least 1,000 students should have been expelled.
Other students raised concerns about gender bias and departmental exclusion. Former student Wahid Wahi pointed out that no female perpetrators were listed. In response, Zarin Saojia (International Relations, 2022-23) remarked, "A Bedi-free list—discrimination exists even here. The Bedis were even more dangerous."
Meanwhile, Md Juwel Rana noted the absence of science students from the list, questioning whether the selection process was politically motivated.
Eyewitnesses and victims speak out
Several students shared their first-hand experiences of the attacks. Emran Uddin (Arabic department, Bijoy Ekattor Hall resident) recounted how Abu Yunus, the hall’s Chhatra League General Secretary, physically assaulted him and many others on July 17, yet his name is absent from the list.
Students also criticised the disproportionate punishment of minor offenders while major perpetrators walked free. Zarif Arfan (Bijoy Ekattor Hall) said, "Even with direct footage, many attackers were excluded, while others have been given severe punishment for minor offenses."
Md Oyhedul, another resident, echoed this, questioning why the list disproportionately targeted Bijoy Ekattor Hall when attacks occurred across multiple halls.
The inconsistencies in the investigation process have led students to question the credibility of the committee itself. A student from the Pali and Buddhist Studies department (2020-21) wrote, "The investigation committee itself should be investigated. Have they engaged in corruption while making this list?"
Calls for administrative accountability
Beyond students, some have pointed fingers at faculty members who allegedly supported the perpetrators. Reyad Mahmud (MBA, Management Information Systems) wrote, "What about the teachers who directly aided them? Will they not be expelled? I haven’t seen a single teacher lose their job! Yet, there are so many identified collaborators!" He argued that without administrative accountability, political violence would continue.
Legal concerns have also emerged. Arafatul Osmani (Master’s student, Law department) stated that some innocent students have been unfairly expelled. He cited an instance where a younger student, forcibly taken to a rally after an attack, now finds his name on the expulsion list despite not being involved in the violence. Osmani argued that the lack of an appeal process violates principles of natural justice, stating, "If someone had mistakenly added my name, what would I have done then?"
Protests and future action
In response to the controversy, students of Bijoy Ekattor Hall have announced a siege of the Vice Chancellor’s office using handheld megaphones, demanding a complete and transparent list.
Additional concerns have been raised about the exclusion of high-profile attackers. Tonmoy Chowdhury (Peace and Conflict Studies) pointed out that Mashfiq Ahmed (Bangla department), who was clearly visible in footage wielding an iron rod, was not on the list. Sumaiya Islam highlighted July 15 attack on Dhaka Medical, stating that most attackers were from Jagannath Hall, yet only two students from that hall faced expulsion.
A Joint Member Secretary of BDSC, Smriti Afroz Sumi, expressed frustration, writing, "Was the responsibility of making the expulsion list given to a Chhatra League member? The list makes it seem so." She questioned how 10–15 names from each hall were excluded despite clear footage and evidence.
Demands for a revised list
As outrage grows, students are calling for a revised expulsion list that includes all identified perpetrators, regardless of political connections. Many argue that if the current investigation committee fails to act, a new, neutral committee should be formed to ensure fairness.
While some believe that those expelled deserved punishment, others insist that the real masterminds have been protected. As protests escalate, the university administration faces increasing pressure to justify its decision and restore trust in the investigation process.
SH
