Dhaka varsity shut down indefinitely as protests rage

Dhaka University has closed indefinitely, with authorities deploying more police and paramilitary troops to combat student unrest and rising...

Dhaka University has closed indefinitely, with authorities deploying more police and paramilitary troops to combat student unrest and rising fears of violence, officials and witnesses in Bangladesh said on Sunday.

University officials quoted an order by Vice-Chancellor Anwarullah Chowdhury as saying the institution ‘‘has been closed sine die in the face of growing indiscipline by the students and fears of violence which may also kill people’’.

About 500 women students refused to obey the order, issued late on Saturday, asking students to leave all halls of residence by Sunday morning.

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They squatted on the street outside Rokeya Hall, the second women’s dormitory, chanting slogans and beating drums. Police watched closely but did not try to disperse them, apparently hoping to avoid worsening the situation.

A university official said, ‘‘Tension is running high, security forces are pondering their next move and many teachers spontaneously joined a silent protest march on the campus.’’

Trouble began on Wednesday when police stormed a women’s dormitory and arrested some residents. Chowdhury sacked the administrator of their dormitory after a group of pro-government students called her an ‘‘agent’’ of the Opposition Awami League. — Reuters

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

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