University of Asia Pacific closed sine die

The University of Asia Pacific (UAP) has suspended all classes for an indefinite period following suspension of two teachers in the face of students' protest over Facebook posts involving female students wearing niqab.

The decision was announced late on Monday (January 19) in an urgent notice signed by the university’s acting registrar.

According to the notice, the current circumstances is not feasible to continue regular academic activities. The university authorities are in discussions with relevant stakeholders to resolve the issues and restore normal operations as soon as possible.

All classes will remain suspended until further notice, it added.

Two faculty members were dismissed on Sunday amid student protests. Assistant Professor Laika Bashir of the Basic Science and Humanities Department was dismissed over allegations of derogatory remarks regarding hijab and niqab, harassment of Muslim students and actions offensive to religious sentiment.

Meanwhile, the department head and associate professor Dr A S M Mohsin was also dismissed over accusations of politically partisan conduct aligned with the ruling party.

Despite the dismissal, unrest persisted on campus, prompting the university to suspend classes indefinitely.

TF