Rajshahi University (RU) has expelled 18 students for varying duration for attacking anti-discrimination student movement activists and repeatedly breaching university discipline.

Another 15 students have been penalised based on the severity of their offenses, as approved in the 535th Syndicate meeting on December 12, following recommendations from the Disciplinary Sub-Committee, according to Professor Akhtar Hossain Majumdar, the university's public relations officer.

According to a press release from the university, the offences include attacks on activists, ragging, trading residential hall seats, theft, misconduct, and substance abuse.

Six students have been permanently expelled with their academic certificates cancelled, five were expelled for two years, four for one year, and two for one semester. One student faces a semester-long expulsion and a fine of Tk 5,000, while another has been fined Tk 5,000. Additionally, 14 students have lost residential privileges, while five may remain in halls after submitting written pledges.

Five students received initial punishments based on preliminary evidence, with their cases under review. All punished students risk permanent expulsion for future misconduct.

RU Proctor Professor Mahbubur Rahman said, "The decisions were based on complaints from the proctor's office, departments, and halls. We are not disclosing identities at this stage; details will follow after departmental notifications."

Vice-Chancellor Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib stated, "Many of the punished students belong to a specific political party. However, the punishments were based on allegations, not political bias, sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated, regardless of affiliation."