KUET Crisis: Government Removes Vice‑Chancellor and Pro Vice‑Chancellor
The Ministry of Education has initiated procedures to relieve Professor Dr Muhammad Masud, Vice‑Chancellor of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), and Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor Professor Dr Md Abdul Malek of their duties in an effort to resolve continuing unrest on campus and restart academic activities, officials announced just after 12:50 a.m. Thursday.
In a late‑night press release, Information and Broadcasting Ministry public‑relations officer Md Mamun‑ur‑Rashid, citing the Ministry of Education, said a search committee will be constituted “without delay” to recommend new appointees for both posts. Pending those appointments, administrative continuity will be maintained by assigning the acting vice‑chancellorship to the most senior professor, the statement added.
Background to the standoff
Violence erupted on 18 February when clashes between activists of the opposition Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and KUET students—supported by local residents—left more than 50 injured amid demands to ban partisan student politics on campus. KUET’s syndicate closed halls and suspended academic activities indefinitely on 25 February.
Defying the shutdown, students re‑entered the campus on 13 April. At an emergency syndicate meeting on 14 April, the administration temporarily expelled 37 students over the February violence, prompting further outrage.
On 22 April twenty‑nine students launched a hunger strike demanding the vice‑chancellor’s removal. Education Adviser Dr C. R. Abrar visited KUET on Wednesday to persuade them to end the fast, but the effort failed. Solidarity demonstrations have since been held at Dhaka University, BUET and other institutions, with protesters issuing ultimatums for the VC’s resignation.
The Ministry said the leadership changes aim to “defuse tension swiftly and restore normal academic functions,” while the forthcoming search committee will ensure transparent selection of new top administrators.
