Jahangirnagar University (JU) authorities have suspended six students for six months and withheld certificates from two others for six months over their alleged involvement in the murder of former BCL leader Shamim Molla. However, the suspension was considered effective from September 19, meaning it has ended already on March 19. Since then, three of the accused have been seen roaming freely on campus.

The six-month suspension decision, made at a syndicate meeting on March 17, has sparked widespread criticism among student bodies and faculty members.

Shamim Molla was reportedly beaten to death on the JU campus by a group of students on September 18.

The university administration imposed the suspensions the day after the incident, meaning they effectively ended on March 19, according to a syndicate member present at the March 17 meeting.

On September 20, the university filed a murder case against these eight students and accused another 20-25 unidentified individuals.

The eight named accused are Md Ahsan Labib (49th batch, Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering), Raju Ahmed (45th batch, Government and Politics), Md Mahmudul Hasan Raihan (50th batch, English), Saiful Islam Bhuiyan (52nd batch, Pharmacy), Hamidullah Salman (49th batch, English), Md Atikuzzaman (49th batch, Management Studies), Sohag Mia (47th batch, Computer Science and Engineering), and Mohammad Rajan Mia (46th batch, Government and Politics).

Among them, Hamidullah Salman and Mohammad Rajan Mia are activists of Chhatra Dal, while Ahsan Labib was a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement before being removed from his position following allegations of involvement in the murder. The other accused are not affiliated with any political group.

Notably, Hamidullah Salman's father, Mowlana Abdur Rahim Patwary, is a former Ameer of Chandpur Zilla Jamaat-e-Islami.

So far, two of the accused—Raihan and Saiful—have been arrested, while another, Atik, surrendered in court, was later sent to jail, and then freed on bail, confirmed Sub-Inspector Anisur Rahman Bappy of the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI).

Criticism of Punishment

Students and faculty members have strongly criticised what they describe as a "mere token punishment" for the murder accused, particularly given their political affiliations. Many pointed out that the six-month suspension is significantly lenient compared to previous disciplinary actions taken by the university administration.

Faizar Mohammad Shaolin, a postgraduate student in the Anthropology department, criticised the inconsistency in punishments.

"The university administration suspended a student for one year for smoking a cigarette inside a hall lift, yet those accused of murder received only six months of suspension. This is ridiculous," he said.

Amartya Roy, president of the JU unit of Bangladesh Students' Union, said the lenient suspension legitimised mob violence.

"A university is supposed to be an ideal space within the state. But when three murders occurred at three public universities through mob violence, it was clear that 'mob injustice' would spread across the country. JU had clear video evidence, and part of the attack even took place inside the Proctor's office. Yet, since Chhatra Dal and Anti-Discrimination Student Movement activists were involved, the administration avoided responsibility," he said.

"This administration came to power following an uprising, claiming to stand against repression. Yet, they too have enabled impunity. We demand that the investigation report be made public, and we call for an independent commission to investigate," he added.

Former JU professor and distinguished economist Anu Muhammad said, "If the same syndicate meeting imposed stricter punishments on other students for different offenses, yet only a six-month suspension for those accused of beating someone to death, it raises serious concerns. Moreover, if murder suspects can roam freely on campus, the administration's leniency is unacceptable."

"The university administration should take all necessary steps to ensure a proper investigation into the murder allegations and facilitate fair legal proceedings under the state's judicial system," he added.

Murder Accused Spotted on Campus

According to several students, after remaining fugitives for six months, Ahsan Labib, Hamidullah Salman, and Mohammad Rajan Mia were recently seen roaming freely on campus. A viral video on social media shows them receiving a grand welcome from a group of students. Students said that because of their political affiliation, the police are not arresting them.

The inability of the police to arrest the remaining accused has further intensified criticism.

When asked about the delay, Kudrot-E-Khuda, Superintendent of Dhaka district Police Bureau Investigation Branch (PBI), said, "We are still investigating the case, collecting information about the whereabouts of the accused, and consulting with senior authorities. We will arrest the maximum number of accused soon."

Will JU provide a safe haven for those accused of murder?

The university administration now faces pressure to clarify whether students accused of murder will be allowed to stay on campus.

JU Proctor AKM Rashidul Alam said, "The syndicate meeting has decided on their penalty and also resolved that the university authorities will review the case statement against the accused. Regarding whether they can stay on campus, you should speak with a syndicate member."

When contacted for comments, JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, who presided over the syndicate meeting, said, "Based on the primary report of the probe committee, we suspended the alleged accused of Shamim Molla's murder for six months. Also, if the murder accused are on campus and police want to arrest them, they can take permission from me, and I'll allow them to do their job."

Regarding the one-year suspension of a student for smoking a cigarette in a hall lift and threatening another student, he added, "This penalty will be revised."