The University of Asia Pacific (UAP) has suspended all academic classes indefinitely following a period of student protests and the controversial dismissal of two faculty members.
The decision was communicated via an emergency notice signed by the university’s acting registrar on Monday night.
The UAP authorities said that the current situation is “not conducive to regular academic activities”.
While the administration is actively engaging with stakeholders to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy, the suspension will remain in effect until further notice.
The unrest was triggered by student demonstrations against Layeqa Bashir, an assistant professor in the Basic Science and Humanities department.
The university permanently expelled Bashir on Sunday following allegations that she made derogatory remarks regarding the hijab and niqab, harassed Muslim students, and offended religious sentiments.
In addition to Bashir, Associate Professor ASM Mohsin was also dismissed from his position. Despite these administrative actions, the situation on campus failed to stabilise, ultimately leading to the university’s decision to shut down for an indefinite period.
The dismissal of the two educators has drawn sharp criticism from the “University Teachers’ Network”. In a formal statement, the organisation condemned the move, describing it as a “reprehensible precedent” in the history of Bangladeshi universities.
The network argued that academic freedom was being curtailed through “mob-like pressure” and that the teachers were targeted based on ideological differences rather than legitimate academic failings.
The university continues to seek a resolution to the ongoing conflict to facilitate a swift return to regular operations.
