Several first-year students of Jahangirnagar University’s (JU) Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) department, have accused their seniors of subjecting them to ragging inside a dark room.
The alleged incident took place at around 11:30 PM in room no. 403 of Sheikh Rasel Hall (Hall No. 21) on Sunday night.
The victims are the students of the 2024–25 academic session (54th batch) and the accused belong to the 2023–24 session (53rd batch).
According to several victims, the victim students were first summoned to the Rafique-Jabbar Square and later instructed to go to Room 403 of Sheikh Rasel Hall. Around 20 freshers reportedly attended the gathering.
Upon entering the room, the juniors were ordered to switch off their mobile phones and stand in two rows while all lights and windows were shut, plunging the room into complete darkness.
The victims claimed they were kept standing for 15 to 20 minutes, during which the seniors questioned them about “discipline” and “departmental rules.”
One fresher, requesting anonymity, said, "We were terrified. The door was locked, the lights were off and they made us stand like in army training. Suddenly a few seniors entered the room and switched on the light."
The accused seniors were identified as Sayed, Tanvir Rahman Moon, Abdullah Al Fahad, Abu Talha Rony, Rajib Sheikh, Yamin Khan Hridoy, Abu Sayed, Jannatul Adnan, Ahmed Arefin Ratul, Rezwan Islam Rifat, Tasnimul Hasan Jubayer, Rumman, Rakibul Hasan Nibir, Jahidul Islam and Ushanta Tripura.
However, one of the accused, Tanvir Rahman Moon, denied the allegations and said, "We didn’t rag anyone. We just called them for a discussion since we couldn’t organise the freshers’ reception due to exams."
He also said that the lights were off because of the heat and we closed the doors and windows to avoid disturbing others.
Meanwhile, 21 no Hall Provost (Sheikh Rasel Hall) Prof. Borhan Uddin confirmed the incident and said, "We, along with hall representatives, students, and staff, caught them red-handed. This act clearly violates university discipline."
"We will verify the details and recommend the highest punishment under university regulations," he added.
He also assured that strict measures would be taken to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.
The allegations have sparked outrage among JU students on social media, with many condemning the “ragging culture” that undermines the university’s free and safe academic environment.
When asked about departmental action, Prof. Md Ashraful Hasan, Chairman of the BMB Department, said, "We are aware of the incident. It involves university discipline, so we’ll coordinate with the administration and act according to their directives."
JU Proctor Prof. A K M Rashidul Alam said, "The administration maintains a 'zero-tolerance policy' toward ragging. We have instructed the hall authorities to investigate the matter."
"Once the report is submitted, we will take necessary action. We are fully prepared to handle such misconduct," he added.
NSA
