KUET Crisis Continues: Classes Resume Without Teachers
Despite reopening after a 74-day closure, academic activities at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) remain stalled as faculty members continue to boycott classes.
Although academic sessions were officially scheduled to resume on Sunday, May 4, no classes are being held due to the ongoing class boycott enforced by the KUET Teachers' Association. The disruption has caused growing concern among parents and guardians over the academic progress of their children.
Director of Student Welfare, Professor Dr. Md. Abdullah Ilyas Akhtar, confirmed that no classes are taking place due to the teachers' decision. "Teachers are firm in their stance of not returning to class. The Vice Chancellor is holding a meeting with the teachers today," he said.
The prolonged suspension of classes and examinations has left students academically behind, sparking fears of sessional delays. Many students worry that their studies may suffer long-term setbacks.
Professor Dr. Md. Faruk Hossain, General Secretary of the KUET Teachers' Association, stated, "We will not return to academic activities until proper justice is ensured for those who caused chaos and assaulted the VC and teachers on February 18. We have conveyed our stance to the newly appointed acting VC."
On February 18, following a violent incident involving an attack on students, KUET students began demanding the resignation of the Vice Chancellor (VC), Pro-Vice Chancellor (Pro-VC), and Director of Student Welfare (DSW). A nearly two-and-a-half-month-long protest, including a hunger strike unto death, eventually led to administrative action.
Subsequently, on Friday, April 25, the Ministry of Education, through two separate notifications signed by Senior Assistant Secretary A.S.M. Kasem, removed Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Masood and Pro-VC Professor Dr. Sheikh Shariful Alam.
On Thursday, May 1, Professor Dr. Md. Hazrat Ali of the Civil Engineering Department at Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology (CUET) was appointed as the acting Vice Chancellor of KUET. He arrived at KUET on the night of Friday, May 2, and officially assumed office on Saturday, May 3.
