Pursuing their studies at International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) has become difficult for some of the students -- only for their attire.

Around 70 students, mostly of madrasa background, are being barred from attending classes wearing punjabi-pajama and a prayer cap, alleged the students.

Some of them were even expelled from the examination halls while several others were awarded lower grades.

“When I enrolled in the university last year, Tanvir sir didn't complain about my dress. Now in my fourth semester I have been informed that punjabi-pajama is not in the university dress code,” said a BBA second year student. “He told me to either give up the dress or leave the university.”

Earlier this month the administration officer had asked him to sign an agreement stating that he will not wear punjabi-pajama any more. As he refused to sign, the official took away his identity card.

The dress code of the private university in the city's Uttara, however, does not restrict punjabi-pajama or any such Islamic attire.

On Sunday, around 50 students shared similar experiences with The Daily Star. Fearing action from the university authorities, they wished not to be named.

Most of them alleged that Kazi Tanvir H Dewan, coordinator at College of Business Administration, is creating much of the problems.

Finding no other alternative, a few of them have already opted for trousers, shirt and necktie. They claimed to have faced the trouble for the past few months, but it worsened recently.

A final year student at civil engineering department said during his admission in 2008 he had told the administration about his attire, which they seemed to accept.

“Being a student of madrasa background, I told them of using punjabi and pajama from my childhood and I would not give it up. But last week they got me out of the classroom,” he mentioned adding, “Even a teacher didn't allow me take my course exam. I don't know what's wrong with following Sunnah.”

The husband of a female student said he has asked his wife not to attend classes as several teachers had complained about her burkah (veil).

Contacted, Kazi Tanvir Dewan said, “How can I be sure that somebody has raised allegation against me?” Without continuing further, he hung up the phone on this correspondent.

Asked about the complaints, IUBAT Vice-Chancellor Prof M Alimullah Miyan said the allegations are not true.

“The dress code is nothing new. It's a published document and we have been routinely following it for the last 10-12 years,” he noted adding “We have not received any complaint about the dress code.”

“Although punjabi-pajama and prayer cap is not in the dress code; we don't bar anyone from wearing those,” he asserted.

The VC also said there are some “fanatic elements” who are trying to make it an unnecessary issue. There are some students with “fanatic ideas” and the authorities are counselling them.

“We are a Muslim majority country and at the same time we need to compete with modern world. Everything we are doing here is to make the students fit for the challenges of the future world,” he maintained.

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