The Chittagong University (CU) administration has issued show-cause notices to 23 Chhatra League leaders of the CU unit for their alleged involvement in wielding local weapons and engaging in clashes to capture polling centers during the Upazila elections in Hathazari.
The accused have been given three days to respond. Following their responses, disciplinary actions will be taken as per the decision of the university's disciplinary committee, the CU authorities said.
Assistant Proctor Mohammad Rifat Rahman confirmed the development on Wednesday.
"We have issued show-cause notices to 23 students after verifying all evidence and footage. Notices have been sent simultaneously to their halls, departments, and families. They have three working days starting tomorrow to explain their actions. Necessary steps will be taken based on the disciplinary committee's decision," he said.
He added: "Two incidents occurred. The first one took place in front of the Laboratory School, and the second in front of Abdur Rab Hall. During this time, some students defied our prohibitions and displayed local weapons. Legal actions will also be taken against them."
For the sake of the investigation, the names of the 23 students served with show-cause notices have been kept confidential.
The altercation occurred on May 21 at approximately 2pm at the Chittagong University Laboratory School and College center. The clash resulted in injuries to at least 14 individuals, with one person still in critical condition at Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH).
According to sources, members of the Bijoy Group, associated with the Chittagong North District Jubo League president SM Rashedul Alam, electoral symbol motorcycle, attempted to seize control of the polling center. They were opposed by the Choose Friends with Care (CFC) group, supporting Upazila Awami League General Secretary Sohrab Hossain Chowdhury Noman, electoral symbol horse.
In response to the incident, the CU administration formed a three-member investigative committee led by Assistant Proctor Enamul Haq.
Assistant Proctor Mohammad Rifat Rahman serves as the committee's member secretary, with Assistant Proctor Tanveer Hasan as a member.
