BANGLADESH

Following clashes between students of two private universities in the capital, authorities on Saturday declared their institutions closed for varying periods.

The Prime Asia University has been shut indefinitely, while the South East University authorities decided to suspend their academic activities for two days.

"The university has been shut indefinitely in view of the current situation," Prime Asia University vice chancellor professor Giasuddin Ahmed told .

Similarly, South East University VC lieutenant colonel (retd) Ali Ambial Haq Khan said educational activities in his institution will remain suspended on March 4 and 5.

Earlier in the day, at least 30 people received injuries as students of the two private universities clashed at Kemal Ataturk Avenue in the city's Banani area following an altercation over eating in canteen.

The clashes brought the traffic to a grinding halt in the area for full one hour.

"Students of the Prime Asia University and that of South East University clashed as a group of Prime Asia University students entered into a verbal duel with some students from the adjacent South East University," additional deputy police commissioner (Ghulshan zone) Nizamul Haque told .

"The situation finally calmed around 5:30pm after police fired teargas and used baton to disperse the clashing students," he added.

Recounting the sequence of events, Mizanur Rahman, a student of Prime Asia University, told that a group of South East University students started demonstrating in front of the Prime Asia University's Textile unit.

"At one stage, they started vandalising our campus," he said adding, "the tension is prevailing even on the three other nearby campuses," he added.

A South East University security official admitted a group of student of this university first attacked the other group.

However, a South East University student Sadnan Tanvhi said the clash took place over alleged stalking of a female student.

"I have heard that a student from Prime Asia University used to stalk one of the female of our university. Some students protested as the girl informed them about the harassment."

Tanvhi, however, failed to name the victim.

"Boys from South East University suddenly came and broke the window panes before we could make out anything," Prime Asia University deputy controller Ashraful Haque told .

At one stage, they clashed and vandalised both the universities. They also vandalised some shops at the avenue.

When police took position at the avenue and tried to calm the situation, the clash shifted in adjacent lanes.