A freshman at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) has been hospitalized after allegedly falling ill during a ragging incident at Bijoy-24 Hall. The student Habib of the Department of Law and Land Administration is being treated at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal and is reported stable.
The incident allegedly occurred Wednesday night in the hall's common room, where freshmen from various departments were reportedly called under the pretext of an introduction session. Students allege the freshmen were lined up, verbally abused, forced to do sit-ups while holding their ears and made to count backward from 100 restarting the sit-ups whenever they erred. Some reported having cigarette smoke blown in their faces and being insulted about their parents.
Habib reportedly told seniors he felt unwell but was allegedly forced to continue. When he stepped out of line to explain his condition, he was allegedly abused further and made to keep doing sit-ups. Around 11 pm, he became ill, with cold, numb limbs and was taken first to Dumki Upazila Health Complex before being transferred to Barishal for advanced care.
Hall Provost Professor Dr. Masudur Rahman called the incident "unfortunate and isolated," saying assistant provosts monitored the situation until 2:30 am and an investigation committee has been formed with a report expected soon.
PSTU Proctor Professor Abul Bashar Khan said he had spoken with the affected student and that a decision would follow within three working days.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. S.M. Hemayet Jahan condemned ragging as harmful and warning that those involved risk losing their right to study at the university and reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy pending the investigation's findings.
