KUET Crisis Continues : Adviser Meets Hunger-Striking Students Amid Mounting Pressure for VC’s Resignation
Dr. C. R. Abrar, the Prime Minister’s Education Adviser, held a crucial discussion on Wednesday morning with hunger-striking students of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), who have been demanding the resignation of Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Mashud. The meeting took place at 10:00 AM in front of the university’s Student Welfare Center and lasted for approximately thirty minutes.
When members of the university syndicate approached and requested to speak with the students during the adviser’s visit, Dr. Abrar responded firmly, saying, “I am here only to speak with the students and to convince them to end their hunger strike, not to talk to anyone else at this moment.”
Meanwhile, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced that its delegation will visit KUET later in the afternoon to assess the situation and determine necessary actions.
During the dialogue, students informed Dr. Abrar about the evolution of their demands — initially presented as six points but now concentrated on a single issue: the resignation of the Vice Chancellor. They made it unequivocally clear that they would not call off their hunger strike unless Dr. Mashud steps down.
They told the adviser, “We will continue our hunger strike until the VC resigns. If necessary, we will sacrifice our lives. Please make a decision quickly and don’t let us die.” The students warned that any attempt to suppress them with disciplinary measures would ignite similar unrest across other universities in the country.
After the meeting, Dr. Abrar briefed reporters, saying, “It is deeply unfortunate that the situation has deteriorated to this point where students are forced to go on a hunger strike. They want an immediate announcement that would allow them to break their fast. I’ve tried to explain that any decision must comply with legal frameworks. I believe I’ve gained at least some of their trust. I came here as a father figure and requested that the more critically ill students drink water, while those who are still physically stable may continue. However, they did not heed that request. Even so, I continue to urge them to end the strike. I am hopeful the matter will be resolved soon.”
The hunger strike began on the afternoon of April 21 and has continued unabated. At least five students have fallen ill due to the intense heat and physical weakness, with symptoms including low blood pressure and dehydration, prompting concern from parents and guardians. Students from both residential halls and outside the campus have gathered in solidarity near the Student Welfare Center.
On the evening of April 22, in a powerful show of support, female students broke the lock of Rokeya Hall and entered in protest. At around 12:15 AM, students from BUET, Jagannath University, CUET, KUET, Dhaka College, and other institutions organized a “Shahbagh Blockade” demonstration, calling for nationwide class boycotts on April 23.
Various organizations, including the Khulna Citizens’ Forum, Khulna University, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and Inquilab Mancha, have also declared protest programs. Additionally, the National Citizens Party (NCP) expressed solidarity with KUET students and demanded the resignation of Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Mashud.
