KUET Crisis Continues: Campus Caught in a Standoff
Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) remains paralyzed as both teachers and students stand firm on their respective demands, placing the university administration in a difficult position. Despite ongoing efforts, there is no visible progress toward resuming academic activities. Students fear extended session delays as the impasse drags on.
On Thursday afternoon, students began a sit-in demonstration in front of the administrative building. They are demanding the resumption of academic activities, the formation of a new impartial investigation committee, and a clear roadmap for implementing the previously declared five-point demands.
As of the time of reporting, there are no signs that academic activities will resume soon. All parties seem entrenched in their positions, heightening concerns over prolonged academic stagnation.
The students’ demands stem from the events of February 18, when a clash erupted on campus between two student groups over the demand to ban political activities at KUET. In response to that incident, 37 students were issued show-cause notices, which sparked widespread protest. The students now insist on a fresh investigation and an end to campus politics, in addition to the reopening of academic functions.
On the other hand, the KUET Teachers’ Association has completed its seven-day ultimatum issued in protest over the alleged harassment of faculty members and is demanding punishment for those responsible. Academic activities remain suspended as part of their protest.
Speaking to the press, Teachers' Association President Prof. Dr. Shahidul Islam said they had met with the newly appointed vice-chancellor. “The vice-chancellor has responded positively to our demands,” he noted. “If our concerns are addressed, we will return to the classrooms by Sunday. Otherwise, we will initiate a non-cooperation movement.”
Meanwhile, students remain resolute. On Thursday afternoon, Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Hazrat Ali spoke with the demonstrating students and urged them to remain patient.
“Everyone is holding firmly to their demands, so it’s taking some time,” he stated. “But the problems will be resolved very soon.”
It is worth noting that following the February 18 incident, amid mounting pressure from students, the Ministry of Education relieved KUET Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohammad Masud and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Sheikh Shariful Alam of their duties on April 25. Subsequently, Prof. Dr. Md. Hazrat Ali was appointed as the acting vice-chancellor on May 1. Although academic activities were scheduled to resume on May 4, the ongoing standoff with the teachers has kept the university closed.
