Expelled DU students accused of mugging, molestation, journalist impersonation

Two expelled Dhaka University (DU) students have been accused of mugging and molesting a young woman at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital, with one of them allegedly impersonating a journalist during the incident.

The primary suspects, Shahriar Tanzil and Shahriar Islam Tushar, were earlier suspended from the university for six months on March 10 following their alleged involvement in an assault on three individuals.

According to the complaint, the incident took place on Friday around 10:30 PM near the pond adjacent to Ramna Kali Mandir. The victim was sitting in the area when a group of men surrounded her. One of them allegedly introduced himself as a member of Dhaka University Journalists’ Association (DUJA).

The group reportedly seized her mobile phone, accessed her private social media accounts and demanded money. They took Tk 1,000 from the victim and Tk 600 from her friend.

The victim, a student of Dhaka Art College, said, “They insulted me with offensive comments about my character and went through my personal information.”

Shahriar Tanzil, a former joint convener of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) Sir AF Rahman Hall unit, who was expelled from the organization for life in February this year, initially denied involvement. 

However, he later admitted that his juniors were linked to the incident. He also allegedly offered a DUJA executive member money to suppress the news, claiming that the money had already been returned as part of a settlement.

Attempts to contact the second accused, Shahriar Islam Tushar, were unsuccessful as his mobile phone remained switched off. 

Tushar, a student of Theatre and Performance Studies department (2023�"24 session) residing at Bijoy Ekattor Hall, was previously associated with Anti-Discrimination Students’ Movement and is later alleged to have developed links with members of Chhatra Shibir and Chhatra Dal.

Dhaka University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed that the accused are no longer students of the university and advised the victim to file a case with the police.

NRE/SH