KUET Kindles Protest: Torch Procession Demands VC’s Resignation
Students of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) held a torch procession on Thursday night (April 17) demanding the immediate resignation of the university’s Vice Chancellor. The one-point demand protest began at the base of the “Durbar Bangla” sculpture and moved through the campus, culminating at the central Shaheed Minar where a press briefing was held.
The briefing was led by three students: Rahatul Islam from the 20th batch, Sheikh Zahid from the 19th batch, and Galib Rahat, also from the 19th batch.
Speaking on behalf of the students, the representatives expressed their deep dismay over recent events, stating, “Yesterday, some of our teachers stood with the officials and employees in a human chain against us. We want to make it clear that our struggle is not against our teachers — they are like fathers to us. If we’ve made any mistakes, we ask for forgiveness. But we are hurt because, in the past two months, you didn’t hold a single human chain against those who attacked us. False cases were filed against us, yet you remained silent. Now, how could you turn against us when the entire nation is standing by our side?”
They further questioned the university administration’s investigation process: “We’ve heard some teachers saying that even those on the suspension list might be proven innocent. If that’s the case, what did the inquiry committee do in these 55 days? Was it a mockery? We demand that the list of the 37 suspended students be made public immediately. If any student is found to be innocent and not affiliated with any student political group like Chhatra Dal, why were they temporarily expelled? The committee must answer. We sincerely thank students from BUET, RUET, CUET, DU, CU, BRAC, and other universities who have stood in solidarity with us. We are truly grateful.”
The students stated that their movement was a fight against tyranny. “We believe no form of authoritarianism will be tolerated in the country after July or August,” they said. “But we are deeply saddened because, even after 58 days, the interim government hasn’t looked our way. Machetes, cleavers, and even firearms were used on our campus, shots were fired, yet the interim government remained silent. After the cases and suspensions, they still haven’t turned to us. We bled for Asif Mahmud. But now, he doesn’t even look our way. We haven’t left the streets yet. Where is Mahfuz Alam? Don’t you see our brothers sleeping beside stray dogs? We warn you — if the Vice Chancellor isn’t removed immediately, we will assume the interim government is safeguarding tyranny. And if needed, we will bring back another July.”
The students also pointed out an upcoming meeting of the Vice Chancellors’ Council scheduled for Friday (April 18). “We request all honourable Vice Chancellors across the country to boycott this meeting,” they said. “The blood-stained hands of our VC — the one who failed to ensure our safety, under whose supervision false cases and expulsions were carried out — cannot preside over a meeting. Attending such a meeting is tantamount to trampling on the blood of ordinary students.”
