The investigation report into the suicide of Jagannath University student Fairuz Abontika, submitted by the university's investigation committee a year ago, has not been made public. Despite the completion of the investigation, neither the university nor the police have released the findings, and no charge sheet has been filed. Abontika’s mother is now calling for the swift release of the report to ensure justice.
On March 15, 2024, Abontika died by suicide after posting a Facebook note in which she blamed a fellow student and an assistant proctor. She was found hanging at her home in Comilla and was declared dead at a local hospital.
The university administration formed a five-member committee within 24 hours of her death, instructing it to submit a report within seven days. The committee, headed by Zakir Hossain, then president of the University Teachers' Association, submitted the report on June 13, 2024.
However, despite being presented to the university syndicate, no decision has been made, and the report remains unpublished.
The two accused individuals—Din Islam, an assistant proctor, and Raihan Siddique Amman, a fellow student—were initially expelled but later reinstated. Abontika’s mother filed a case, but the police report and charge sheet have yet to be released.
No police report, no charge sheet after a year
In the Abontika murder incitement case, the accused teacher and student were arrested immediately. However, a charge sheet has still not been filed, and no police report has been received. Sources say no concrete evidence has been found against the accused, which has delayed the filing of the charge sheet.
Meanwhile, the investigating officers have been transferred multiple times. The current investigating officer, Mizanur Rahman, said: "It is uncertain when the investigation report will be released, as it must first be submitted to the court after notifying senior officers."
Uncertainty Over Student’s Academic Career and Teacher’s Employment
Within six hours of student protests at Jagannath University, police arrested Amman and Din Islam, who were accused of inciting Abontika’s suicide. Both were temporarily expelled, and after their arrests, Din Islam spent nearly four months in jail, while Amman spent eight months. They were granted bail but have not returned to classes.
Amman’s friends are about to complete their master's degrees, but Amman is uncertain about the rest of his academic career. Similarly, Din Islam has not been able to resume his teaching duties, as the investigation and police reports have not been released, and his salary has been halted.
Amman said: "Because of the charges against me, I am facing many difficulties when applying for government jobs. The indefinite expulsion from the university has prevented me from completing my master's degree, which is affecting my career."
He added: "I want the university administration to release the investigation committee’s report as soon as possible so that I can continue my education if I am proven innocent."
Din Islam said: "The university administration is treating me unfairly and politically. The investigation report was presented at the 99th syndicate meeting on January 2, but the syndicate’s letter did not clarify whether I am involved in the suicide."
He added: "It only stated that I will be allowed to return after the court case is resolved. If the university is waiting for a court decision, why was the investigation committee formed? The administration is deliberately harassing me."
Abontika’s mother demands swift justice
Abontika’s mother, Tahmina, expressed frustration, saying: "If the report is released, more issues will come to light. I won’t give up, though. The university's registrar, Gias Uddin, treated me badly when I spoke to him. What right does he have to do so?"
She added: "The administration claims they are taking action, but nothing has been done in a year. The people responsible for Abontika’s suicide are graduating, and I want to know what punishment the administration will impose on them."
University Vice-Chancellor Rezaul Karim said: "Recommendations have been made regarding the actions to be taken against the teachers and students involved, and we are proceeding accordingly."
When asked about the report’s release, he said: "The process is ongoing, and once implemented, we will inform everyone. There are many legal issues to consider, and actions will be taken accordingly. Releasing the report could lead to legal complications, and we are already dealing with two legal challenges."
