UIU students block road in Natun Bazar seeking withdrawal of expulsion

Students of the United International University (UIU) blocked the road at Natun Bazar in Dhaka on Saturday morning, June 21, demanding the withdrawal of 40 students’ expulsion order.

They barricaded the Kuril Bishwaroad-Badda road around 8:30am, suspending the vehicular movement.

The private university students blockaded the road to press home mainly two demands. These are unconditionally withdrawing the expulsion of those who were expelled due to their participation in the movement seeking vice-chancellor’s resignation, and resumption of normal academic activities soon resolving the university’s administrative vacuum.

Mentioning that police personnel are on alert centring the blockade, Vatara police station's sub-inspector Md Sultan said they requested the protesters to stay beside road so that traffic does not stop completely.

The students informed them that they will leave the road after staying some time, he added.

UIU sources and students said the university’s VC and 11 administrative officials stepped down on April 26 and 27 over student unrest.

On April 28, the authorities suspended all academic activities of the university for an indefinite period.

Although online classes resumed from May 20, a section of the students rejected this  and have been demanding direct classes on the campus and ensuring administrative transparency.

Students alleged that the university administration have been denying their rational 13-point demand and on June 2, expelled 41 students.

AAH/MSU