Dhaka’s streets saw tension and confusion on Saturday morning as students from United International University (UIU) staged a protest that quickly escalated into violent clashes with police.
The protest started peacefully at New Market, with students demanding the withdrawal of expulsion orders for 26 classmates. But tensions rose when police moved in to break it up.
According to several students, officers began pushing them without warning. That’s when chaos broke out. Police reportedly used batons. Some students responded by pushing back.
Multiple students were injured in the scuffle.
“We came here peacefully,” one student said. “We were just sitting. Then they attacked us out of nowhere. This wasn’t a violent protest.”
Officers refused to comment on the response, and DMP offered no official explanation as of press time.
The student body’s main demand was simple: reverse the expulsion orders and offer compensation to those affected. They claimed the punishments were unfair and imposed without proper review.
Solidarity came from other universities too. Students from institutions like Presidency University joined the protest in support.
One of them said, “This isn’t just about UIU. It’s about how private university students are treated in general. We’re standing together.”
Later in the day, some senior officials from UIU met with the protesters. They asked students to bring their guardians and promised to review the expulsions through a formal disciplinary committee.
“You come with your guardians,” a university official told students at the scene. “We will sit and reconsider the decisions.”
Despite the offer, students expressed frustration with the administration and demanded immediate steps, including action against officers involved in the alleged attack.
A former student speaking at the gathering added, “The IGP himself said not to lay a hand on students. Yet it happened. There needs to be accountability.”
The students also made five formal demands, including the formation of an independent oversight body for private universities and withdrawal of the 15 percent VAT on tuition fees.
As the road blockade stretched into the afternoon, commuters were caught in long delays. Some chose to walk to their destinations.
“I walked all the way from Bishwaroad,” said one pedestrian. “It took me over 30 minutes.”
The protest highlights growing tensions in Bangladesh’s private university sector, where students often say they face unfair administrative decisions and little room for appeal.
The UIU administration had earlier expelled 26 students for reasons not fully disclosed. As the standoff continues, it remains to be seen whether the authorities will meet the students’ demands—or whether more unrest is on the horizon.
