KUET Crisis Continues as UGC Launches Probe, Protests Spread Nationwide
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched an official investigation into the ongoing unrest at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET). A three-member fact-finding committee began its inquiry on Wednesday, April 23, by speaking directly with students from 10:30 am. Among the committee members are Joint Secretary of the Board of Secondary and Higher Education, Professor Tanzim Ahmed, and Professor Saidur Rahman.
Earlier, Education Adviser Dr. C. R. Abrar visited the site of the ongoing hunger strike and spoke with the protesting students. Despite his visit, the students remain steadfast in their sole demand — the resignation of KUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Masud.
According to the students, the indefinite hunger strike began at 4:00 pm on Monday with 32 students participating. Two students returned home later that evening due to illness, while another left following his mother's health emergency. On Tuesday, student Sadik Siddik Farib was admitted to the private City Medical College Hospital, and Azizul Haque Siam received treatment at KUET's medical center. Both are reportedly in stable condition. However, by Wednesday, an additional seven students were reported to have fallen ill.
At the Student Welfare Center, where the hunger strike is taking place, 27 students were seen continuing their protest, resting on mattresses with stand fans placed around them. A few others sat on chairs nearby in support. Four ambulances were stationed at the scene, and KUET’s medical team remained on standby in an adjacent room.
Meanwhile, protests have spread beyond KUET. On Wednesday morning at 10:00 am, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement organized a blockade at Shibbari Mor in Khulna city, joined by a rally and protest march organized by the Red July Khulna District Branch. Simultaneously, Inquilab Mancha, Khulna Metropolitan Branch, held a human chain at the same location.
Students of Khulna University also announced a boycott of classes and a blockade program at the Zero Point area at 2:00 pm on the same day.
In solidarity with KUET’s hunger-striking students and demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Muhammad Masud, a coalition of university students has also called for a protest rally and Shahbagh blockade in Dhaka. The demonstration is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, at 3:00 pm, beginning at the Raju Sculpture. Students from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), University of Dhaka (DU), Jahangirnagar University (JU), Jagannath University (JnU), and the seven affiliated colleges of DU are expected to join the movement.
