Archives

Dhaka, Monday (AFP) A Bangladeshi university was closed indefinitely after around 100 people were injured in clashes with police, who used batons and tear gas to control a crowd of several thousand students, officials and witnesses said.

They said the clashes erupted after nearly two dozen hunger-striking students were attacked by rivals at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in Dhaka.

Police had to use force to disperse several thousand students who were marching on the campus in support of the strikers.

Several students were hospitalised, witnesses said.

The university authorities ordered the campus shut indefinitely and ordered students to vacate dormitories by the end of the day.

"The situation had deteriorated to such an extent with students cutting telephone and electricity lines, there was no choice but to shut the university indefinitely," vice chancellor Ali Murtoza told reporters.

The hunger strikers are pressing for the arrest of those responsible for the murder of a female student in June, allegedly by members of the student front of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

A number of people have already been arrested in connection with the murder.

At least six of the hunger strikers were hospitalised late Saturday on the recommendation of a university medical board.

Students are deeply involved in politics in Bangladeshi universities and all major political parties are represented on campuses.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager