Probe body submits report on JU July attacks
Application will be submitted to ICT
An investigation committee has submitted a preliminary report regarding the attack on teachers and students during the anti-discrimination student movement in July last year at Jahangirnagar University (JU).
The university disclosed the findings today (17 January) in a notice signed by Mohammad Mohiuddin, director (acting) of the university's Public Relations Office.
It says the committee investigated and submitted its report with recommendations regarding several incidents: the attack on students in front of Rabindranath Tagore Hall from 11pm on 14 July to 3am 15 July; the attack on students in front of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall at around 7pm on 15 July; and the attack on teachers and students at the vice-chancellor's residence, including firing of rubber bullet, around midnight on 15 July.
The committee also probed another attack on students and rubber bullets firing in front of the administrative building at 3pm on 17 July.
In response, the university authorities have formed a panel comprising two Supreme Court lawyers to assess whether the testimonies collected by the committee comply with the Evidence Act of 1872.
A letter has already been sent to them requesting a report with their opinion within seven working days. This process aims to ensure maximum transparency and fairness, read the notice.
It further stated that after receiving the panel's opinions and report, an application will be submitted to the chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) to initiate a case and ensure punishment for the responsible individuals.
Hundreds of students were left injured after Bangladesh Chhatra League men carried out attacks and police fired teargas shells and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters over the three days mentioned above in July last year, at the height of the movement demanding reformation of quotas in government jobs.