Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (Sust) has revoked the lifelong expulsion of 16 students from residential halls for alleged involvement in ragging.
These students, all from the Department of Business Administration of the 2020-21 academic year, were initially penalized in February 2023.
The decision was confirmed through an office order signed by acting registrar Syed Salim Mohammad Abdul Qadir on Wednesday.
According to the order, the university's disciplinary board and the 234th Syndicate meeting recommended overturning the penalties for the 16 students.
The students whose punishments were revoked are: Paban Mia, Riaz Hossain, Payal Ahmed, Khaled Saifullah, Ramim Ahmed, Rakib Hossain, Ashesh Chakma, Saurabh Nath, Shariful Islam, Anik Das, Fahim Mia, Nayan Chandra Dey, Toha Mia, Ashiq Hossain, Al Amin, and Apan Mia.
Proctor Mokhlesur Rahman said: "A review committee was formed following the appeals of the punished students. The previous investigation report was found inconsistent and prejudiced, leading to the decision to re-investigate. Based on the recommendations of the review committee, the punishments were revoked."
The initial incident occurred on February 20, 2023, when the accused students were alleged to have engaged in ragging their juniors at Syed Mujtaba Ali Hall.
After a preliminary investigation, they were temporarily expelled.
Subsequently, a five-member inquiry committee conducted a detailed investigation, culminating in their permanent expulsion and a ban from all residential halls, as decided at the 227th Syndicate meeting in March 2023.
After the political change on August 5, the students appealed to the current administration, seeking a fresh investigation.
The university formed a three-member review committee, led by the director of student counselling and guidance, which ultimately recommended revoking the expulsion.
