Security forces arrest University teachers, curfew relaxed

DHAKA: Security forces in Bangladesh arrested two senior academics in overnight raids at the Dhaka University campus, where student riots erupted on Monday, even as authorities on Thursday relaxed the indefinite curfew imposed after violent protests spilled to other cities.

Also, the military-backed government threatened to ban two private television channels if they did not stop airing 'provocative' news and programmes.

The violent protests, which started after students opposed the presence of army on the campus, have left one person dead and over 400 injured and sparked international concern with the US and UK urging all sides to exercise restraint.

General Secretary of the Dhaka University Teachers Association (DUTA) Professor Anwar Hossain and Professor Harunur Rashid were taken into custody for "questioning" by security forces after midnight.

Sanjib, son of biochemistry professor Hossain, told that the security officials told the family not to worry about him saying "we are not the Pakistani army and your father is as patriotic as we are".
    
Family members said security forces picked up political science professor Rashid from his residence saying they were taking him for 'questioning' following an order under emergency rules.
    
Earlier, former DU vice chancellor Professor Azad Chowdhury was also reportedly arrested after family sources said he did not return home from a late night walk but they confirmed this morning that he was not detained.

Meanwhile, Dhaka Metropolitan Police relaxed the curfew from 8 AM saying it would be reinforced at 10 PM.