The Chittagong Medical College (CMC) authorities have expelled seventy-five students on different terms due to several infractions, including unauthorised entry into dormitories, room occupation, physical assault, and involvement in politics despite being prohibited.
The college’s Academic Council made this decision during a meeting, which was announced on Monday in a notice. The expulsions range from six months to two years. Additionally, 11 other students and their guardians will be required to provide written assurances.
Most of the expelled students are reportedly leaders, activists, and supporters of the recently banned student organization, Chhatra League, and are known to be followers of Chittagong city Awami League General Secretary AJM Nasir Uddin and former Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury.
The notice stated that the expulsion will take effect immediately. Prior to this, the Academic Council had decided on disciplinary action against 86 students in a meeting held on Sunday, presided over by CMC Principal Professor Mohammad Jasim Uddin.
The notice bears the signatures of Principal Jasim Uddin and college hospital Director Brigadier General Mohammad Tasleem Uddin. Among the 86 students, those who have already passed their MBBS and are currently interning will face further action from the hospital authorities, including 17 BDS students.
Confirming this, Brigadier General Mohammad Tasleem said that 14 of those punished are interns, and their penalties will be enforced by the hospital administration. The Academic Council approved these punitive measures based on recommendations from a 12-member investigation committee.
Following the July-August mass uprising, the CMC authorities formed an investigation committee on September 11, headed by Professor Mohammad Hasanuzzaman, the head of the Neurology Department. The committee conducted investigations into the accused for over a month after receiving various complaints from other students. The investigation looked into allegations of campus politics, unauthorized dormitory entry, and room occupation, despite the ban on student politics during the Awami League's tenure.
Among the punished students, seven had previously received disciplinary action from the Academic Council in March, 2023 for various terms. They have now been subjected to additional penalties. Of the 86 students, seven have been expelled for two years, 15 for one and a half years, 39 for one year, and 14 for six months. Additionally, 11 students will have to provide written assurances from their guardians and themselves.