There are reports of draconian punishments of students at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science & Technology University where students are facing temporary and permanent suspension for small mistakes. In the last one year, 27 students faced such notices. Although the ones given notice were not expelled permanently, there is a prevailing sense of fear among students.
Most students were punished for taking part in a human chain though such acts are deemed normal rights for students at other universities.
Reportedly, the university resorts to such harsh punishments to prevent students from being derailed from education.
University authority says that strict rules are enforced to keep the campus free of session jams.
Proctor Ashikuzzaman Bhuiyan, says: “Failing to get into other universities, students come to small institutions and unless there’s an environment of discipline, they may go astray.”
It’s found that the VC, Nasir Uddin, often says that he opened the university. A student who was reportedly given a suspension notice alleges that the VC admonished her by saying that unless she got admitted to the university she would be wandering aimlessly on the roads.
In June of the running year, 14 students, demanding fair rates, were given show cause notice. The notice says the students instigated unrest, carried anti administration placards and gave inflammatory speeches.
Saying that students do not speak up in fear of being expelled, Chhatra Union President Rathindranath Bappi says: “The institution does not have an environment promoting free speech.”
Expulsions also happened for giving Facebook status on Dengue and for perceived damage to the university’s reputation, he added.
Proctor Ashikuzzaman says: “Students gave slogans demanding removal of classroom garbage and the expulsion of professor Bilashkanti; since there are 13,000 students, rooms can get a bit dirty.”
“We investigated the incident, pardoned three persons and suspended three for six months since their offences were unpardonable,” added the proctor.
“This is an exceptional university; we do not have session jams, and also forgive those who break the rules and the punishment is usually expulsion for one semester.”