Dhaka Univ students return to classes after August violence

Dhaka, Oct 28 (UNI) Students of Dhaka University(DU) today returned to their classes after nearly three months, following a tussle with troops that triggered unprecedented violence in August.

The violence erupted after a students-troops' dispute over watching a football match at Dhaka University playground on August 20 prompted the military backed interim government to impose curfew and shut down universities and colleges in major cities, including Dhaka.

Campus sources said teachers and students turned up for their classes peacefully and there were no protests against the arrest of two teachers and several students on charges of ''instigating'' violence.

Dhaka University Teachers' Association decided to take classes in the interest of the students and demanded immediate release of the arrested DU teachers and students.

A DU syndicate meeting yesterday demanded the release of their detained colleagues and students. The syndicate requested the law enforcement agencies to extend support to the university authorities whenever they need.

On October 24, all dormitories of the university were opened ahead of resumption of classes.

Responding to the teachers' demand of the release of their detained colleagues, Law and Information Advisor Barrister Mainul Hosein told reporters that the government can not take a lenient view about those teachers who provoked violence.

''I've complete respect for teachers. But a teacher could instigate students instead of pacifying them. They are not teachers, they are political activists,'' he said.

Police sources said law enforcers and intelligence agencies are keeping a close watch on the university campus to ensure peaceful academic environment.

DU is seen as a flashpoint of anti-government movements in the past.

UNI