DUET Under Fire: Controversy Over Expelled Student Leaders Taking Final Exams
On December 12, the Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) administration issued academic sanctions of varying durations against 14 student leaders affiliated with the banned terrorist organization Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) following multiple written complaints of extortion and violence against general students. The directive stated that the punishments would be enforced unless the accused provided satisfactory explanations within seven working days.
Among the expelled students, Sabbir (EEE-20 series), Sajjad Hossain Rifat (CE-20 series), Tahsin Mahmud (TE-20 series), and Ishtiaq Ahmed Prince (CSE-20 series) are currently in their fourth year. Although they had been absent from academic activities since August 5, following the ousting of the “tyrannical Hasina regime,” they were seen taking their semester final exams, which commenced on January 29. This has sparked outrage among general students.
According to DUET’s academic regulations, students must have at least 70% class attendance and must participate in laboratory sessions, lab quizzes, and class tests to be eligible for semester final exams. However, students are questioning how the “identified perpetrators” were allowed to sit for the exams despite these requirements.
An anonymous student claimed that even though no official seating arrangements were made for the BCL leaders in the examination halls, a seat was brought in from outside approximately 15 minutes after the exam began, enabling them to take the test. Additionally, several faculty members and administrative officials were allegedly seen checking on these students during the examination.
Following the circulation of this news, students staged a protest on campus on February 1. They warned that if any of the expelled individuals were allowed to take the February 6 exams, they would boycott the examination altogether.
The controversy intensified after similar disciplinary actions against BCL members at BUET gained traction on Wednesday. Discussions and criticisms regarding DUET’s administration surged across various university-related social media groups and pages. Students have expressed frustration, questioning how the expelled individuals were allowed to bypass mandatory academic requirements without approvals from the provost, advisors, or department heads.
Addressing the issue, Professor Dr. Utpal Kumar, Director of DUET’s Student Welfare Office, stated, “The expelled BCL leaders have obtained permission from the High Court to take the exams. The DUET administration is obligated to comply with the court’s decision.” However, he assured that DUET would file an appeal against the ruling as soon as possible and urged general students to support the process.
