Fresh allegations of ragging have surfaced at Jahangirnagar University (JU), where several senior students of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) have been accused of subjecting first-year students to mental harassment in a dark room.

According to victims, the incident took place around 11:30 pm on Sunday in room 403 of Sheikh Russel (Hall No. 21). The accused are students of the 2023–24 academic session (53rd batch), while the victims belong to the newly admitted 2024–25 session (54th batch).

Multiple first-year students said they were initially asked to gather at the Rafik-Jabbar square before being taken to the Sheikh Russel Hall room.

About 20 students reportedly entered the room, where they were instructed to turn off their mobile phones. The seniors then turned off all the lights and locked the door and windows, keeping the newcomers standing in two lines for about 15 to 20 minutes.

They kept us standing in the dark and asked questions about departmental rules and discipline,” said one of the victims, seeking anonymity. “We were terrified. It felt like some kind of army drill. Suddenly, a few seniors entered the room and switched on the lights.”

Those accused of involvement in the ragging incident include Said, Tanvir Rahman Mun, Abdullah Al Fahad, Abu Talha Rony, Rajib Sheikh, Yamin Khan Hridoy, Abu Said, Jannatul Adan, Ahmed Arefin Ratul, Rezwan Islam Rifat, Tasnimul Hasan Jubayer, Rumman, Rakibul Hasan Nibir, Jahidul Islam, and Ushanta Tripura.

The incident has sparked panic among the department’s students, with several reportedly preparing to lodge formal complaints with faculty members.

However, the accused students have denied the allegations, claiming that the meeting was arranged to discuss an upcoming event.

They said the lights were turned off due to excessive heat, and the doors and windows were closed to avoid disturbing an exam taking place in the adjacent room.

Professor Borhan Uddin, provost of Hall No. 21, confirmed the incident and said they intervened immediately.

We, along with hall representatives and staff, caught them red-handed,” he said. “Such activities are completely against university discipline. We will investigate the matter thoroughly and recommend the highest punishment as per university regulations.”

He added that the hall authorities will remain vigilant to prevent such incidents in the future.

The incident has drawn widespread criticism on social media, with students expressing frustration over what they described as a “persistent culture of ragging” undermining the university’s free and safe environment.

Professor Md Ashraful Hasan, chairman of the BMB Department, said, “Although the department is not taking separate action, we will coordinate with the administration to ensure proper measures are taken.”

JU Proctor Professor AKM Rashidul Alam said, “We have been informed of the incident. The hall administration has been instructed to verify the allegations. Once the investigation report is submitted, appropriate action will be taken.”

The university administration is determined to eradicate ragging. Such misconduct will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” the proctor added.