UIU students press five-point demand, protest 'to continue'

 
Students of United International University (UIU), who blocked the road in Dhaka's Natun Bazar demanding withdrawal of expulsion orders, have announced an indefinite continuation of their protest.

Presenting their five-point charter of demands, one of the protesters, Tareq Rahman said: "Our movement will continue. A new programme will be announced in the evening based on the government's response."

Five key demands pressed by the students are: Unconditional withdrawal of the expulsion orders issued "unjustly" against students and ensuring compensation.

Punishment-through investigation-of students, teachers, officers, and staff involved in the expulsion process.

Implementation of proposed reforms to address long-standing irregularities, mismanagement, and authoritarian practices within UIU. Formation of an independent reform commission for private universities. Abolition of the 15 percent tax imposed on private universities.

The "Natun Bazar Blockade" demonstration began at 8am on Saturday, blocking one side of the road and severely disrupting traffic for hours. Commuters suffered extreme inconvenience.

Bus passenger Shahed, who goes by a single name, told bdnews24.com at noon: "We've been waiting for nearly an hour and a half. The heat is unbearable."

Mohammad Suman, a helper on a Turag bus, said: "We've been stuck for three hours. This makes no sense."

Vatara police chief Rakibul Hasan said, "The students have occupied one side of the road, halting traffic from Kuril to Badda.

"Traffic on the other side is moving normally. We're trying to convince the students to leave the road. University authorities are here and talking to them."

Over 50 students participated in the protest, shouting slogans and holding placards. Additional police forces were deployed to maintain order at the scene.

Protesters were heard shouting slogans including, "Either the expulsion goes, or my body does", "Withdraw expulsions, reform will follow", "The authority is tyrannical -- time to step down", "End privatised education", and "Let private universities thrive, but down with the syndicate!"

Students from other universities also joined in solidarity.

Around 11:30am, police tried to clear the road, but the protesters held their position.

Abdullah, a student from Dhaka International University who joined the protest and shared a single name, claimed that up to nine protesters, including several female students, were injured in a baton charge by police.

In the face of the protests, the UIU vice chancellor and 24 senior academic officials, including deans and department heads, resigned on Apr 26 and 27. The university was declared closed indefinitely on Apr 28.

Although online classes resumed on May 20, a significant number of students rejected them, continuing their demand for in-person classes and administrative transparency.

Meanwhile, punitive actions were taken against 41 students, of whom 26 were permanently expelled on Jun 2.

Labib Muhannad, vice president of the Private University National Association of Bangladesh and a protester, said: "United University expelled 26 students who participated in the July uprising. United Group used to fund the Awami League and its affiliated bodies.

"The students were protesting for their rights. They were kept waiting for eight months with false assurances. We demand those expulsion orders be withdrawn."