Tensions Escalate at KUET as Students Lock Administrative Buildings
Following violent clashes over student politics, students of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) have locked the university’s administrative and academic buildings, demanding the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor along with four other key demands.
On Wednesday, February 19, at around 1:30 PM, students secured the buildings with locks, leaving the campus in a tense state. The Vice-Chancellor remains confined, while the university syndicate has convened a meeting to address the situation. Despite being confined in the KUET medical center, the Vice-Chancellor attended the syndicate meeting online.
Shahaduzzaman Sheikh, the Public Relations Officer (acting) of KUET’s Public Relations, Information, and Publication Department, stated, “The syndicate meeting has commenced. As of 2:15 PM, the meeting was still ongoing, and no decision had been disclosed.”
The clashes erupted on Tuesday when the demand to ban student politics led to repeated conflicts between Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Later, local BNP activists from areas like Railgate and Teligati joined forces with JCD members, while general students and Islami Chhatra Shibir activists sided with the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. The violence escalated rapidly, with nearly 50 students injured, most suffering from machete wounds. The injured were treated at Khulna Medical College Hospital, KUET Medical Center, and nearby private clinics.
In response, security forces, including army, navy, RAB, BGB, and police, have been deployed in Fulbari and surrounding areas to restore order.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, February 18, the central executive committee of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal issued a press statement signed by Office Secretary Nurul Islam Sohel, announcing the expulsion of Mahbubur Rahman, the Vice-President of Daulatpur Thana Jubo Dal in Khulna, for engaging in activities violating party discipline. The statement emphasized that the party would not be responsible for any wrongdoings by expelled leaders and instructed all Jubo Dal members to sever organizational ties with Mahbub. The decision was enforced by Jubo Dal President Abdul Monaem Munna and General Secretary Mohammad Nurul Islam Noyon.
According to police and local sources, Mahbubur Rahman was seen brandishing weapons in KUET during the unrest. Authorities, including intelligence agencies, are currently working to identify other armed individuals.
On Tuesday night, KUET students issued an ultimatum during a press briefing, demanding the resignations of the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, and Director of Student Affairs, along with two additional demands. They warned that if their demands were not met by Wednesday at 1:00 PM, all classes, exams, and academic activities would be suspended. As per their declaration, students locked the university buildings on Wednesday.
