For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Students of United International University (UIU) will observe a fresh blockade programme today (Sunday) to realise their demands including withdrawing expulsion of 41 students of the university.
Earlier the students blocked Natun Bazar intersection in the capital at around 8:30 am on Saturday, protesting what they said were 'arbitrary expulsions' and 'authoritative actions' by the university administration.
Officer-in-charge of Vatara Police Station Rakibul Hasan confirmed the matter to the media.
He said that a few police personnel suffered minor injuries while attempting to approach and communicate with the demonstrators.
He added the protesting students occupied the road, causing severe disruption to vehicular movement.
The demonstrators carried placards and chanted slogans in support of their demands.
The blockade programme was going on as of filling this report at around 5:00 pm.
However, at one point limited vehicular movement to and from Rampura and Badda resumed through a single lane.
The protesters alleged that several students had been expelled without prior notice or explanation.
They said that their protest will continue until a full investigation is carried out and administrative action is taken against those responsible.
A scuffle occurred between students and police personnel when the latter tried to remove the former from the road around 11:00 am on Saturday. Protesters claimed several of them were injured in the incident.
"We will not leave until our demands are met. We have tried to voice our concerns peacefully many times, but no one paid attention," said one of the protesters.
The students' five demands include unconditionally withdrawing the unjust expulsion of the 41 students; bringing all of those involved in expelling the students to justice after fair investigation; implementing reform demands against UIU's longstanding irregularities and willfulness, forming an independent reform commission for private universities; and scrapping 15 per cent tax imposed on private universities.
UIU sources and students said the university's Vice Chancellor and 11 administrative officials stepped down on April 26 and 27 this year over student unrest.
On April 28, the authorities suspended all academic activities of the university for an indefinite period.
Although online classes resumed on May 20, a section of the students rejected this and have been demanding direct classes on the campus and ensuring administrative transparency.
talhabingabib@yahoo.com