KUET Crisis Continues: Students Fall Ill During Hunger Strike for VC’s Resignation
Four students at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) have fallen ill during a hunger strike demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Machudur Rahman. The strike, which entered its 26th hour, has seen rising health concerns among protesters, including one student from the 23rd batch of the Mechatronics Engineering department and another from the 21st batch of the Computer Science and Engineering department. They received treatment at the KUET medical center.
According to fellow students, two of the ailing students were taken home by their guardians. Around 12:30 PM, the medical staff at the university provided initial treatment when their physical condition deteriorated.
Amid the crisis, Education Adviser Dr. C. R. Abrar has urged the students to withdraw their hunger strike. However, the protesting students remain firm in their demand for the immediate removal of the vice-chancellor. “The education adviser said that an investigation committee will arrive tomorrow. But we oppose the arrival of such a committee. Instead, the VC must be removed directly,” said one of the protestors.
The Ministry of Education issued a statement confirming that the adviser had made this appeal during a phone conversation with the protesting students. He expressed concern over the health risks they are facing due to the extreme heat and requested them to end the strike considering their well-being and academic future.
The adviser further assured the students that the government is aware of their demands. “A high-level delegation will soon visit Khulna to meet with KUET authorities, faculty members, and students to assess the situation and take necessary measures for a resolution,” he said.
In a Facebook post, Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam also stated that he had spoken with the education adviser about the ongoing movement. He added that a delegation from the University Grants Commission (UGC) will visit KUET tomorrow to review the situation firsthand and take action in accordance with regulations.
Meanwhile, several university officials, including the Director and Assistant Director of Student Welfare, attempted to persuade the students to end their strike on Tuesday afternoon. However, the students stood firm in their protest, refusing to break their fast.
