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Dhaka, June 21, 2025 – Students of United International University (UIU) temporarily suspended their ongoing road blockade in Dhaka’s Natun Bazar area on Saturday evening but issued a stern ultimatum to the university administration. They demanded the immediate withdrawal of expulsion orders against 25 students and related administrative decisions by 8:00 PM, warning of a hunger strike and a nationwide ‘Bangla Blockade’ if their demands are not met.
The protesting students, who have been demonstrating against alleged administrative irregularities, suppression of free speech, and unjust expulsions, withdrew their blockade at 6:00 PM but vowed to escalate their movement. They announced that if the university fails to issue a formal notice retracting the decisions by the deadline, they will commence a hunger strike at 10:00 AM on Sunday, followed by a ‘Bangla Blockade’ across the country from 11:00 AM.
In a statement, the students said, “We expect the university administration to make the right decision in the interest of the broader student community and cooperate to normalize the situation. This movement is for our rights, not for any personal or political agenda. We demand an environment where education and free expression are upheld, and the authorities address our legitimate demands with goodwill.”
The students have been in discussions with the university administration since Saturday evening, pressing for a resolution by the stipulated deadline. Earlier in the day, the protests saw tensions escalate when police allegedly baton-charged the students, injuring several, during their peaceful sit-in. The students have accused the administration of harassment and attempting to silence their voices in response to their opposition to expulsions, restrictions on free speech, and administrative mismanagement.
The movement, which has been ongoing for several days, has included road blockades and demonstrations calling for the withdrawal of expulsion orders and a transparent investigation into the university’s administrative practice.
AI/MR
