DU probe finds evidence against 4-5 Chhatra Dal members in April attack on journalists

A Dhaka University probe committee has found evidence of the involvement of four to five Chhatra Dal leaders and activists in an attack on university journalists at Shahbagh Police Station in April, but did not recommend any disciplinary action.

The committee submitted its report to the university administration on Tuesday, more than five months after the incident, despite being instructed to submit its findings within three working days of its formation.

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At least 10 journalists were injured when a group of Chhatra Dal activists allegedly attacked members of the Dhaka University Journalists Association while they were performing their professional duties at Shahbagh Police Station on April 23.

Following the incident, the university formed an investigation committee headed by Assistant Proctor Muhammad Mahbub Kaiser.

Vice-Chancellor Prof ABM Obaidul Islam told The Daily Star, “The investigation committee submitted its report today. It has been forwarded for placement before the Syndicate.”

He declined to disclose details of the findings.

However, a member of the committee, seeking anonymity, said, “The report mentions that evidence was found against four to five people. It also says the committee could not identify two others,” the committee member said.

The member added that the committee had only been tasked with establishing the facts surrounding the incident and therefore did not recommend any punishment.

A higher-level committee or tribunal may later be formed to determine whether disciplinary action should be taken, the member added.

Contacted for comment, committee chief Mahbub Kaiser declined to speak on the matter.