KUET Classes Commence After Five-Month Hiatus
After a prolonged closure of five months and ten days, academic activities resumed at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) on Tuesday, July 29. Classes began across 20 faculties under four faculties of study. Of over 7,000 students enrolled at the university, nearly three-fifths are currently preparing for examinations scheduled to begin on August 7. Classrooms witnessed a significant turnout of students on the first day.
Students expressed joy at returning to academic life after such a long interval. However, many noted that due to the short notice and inclement weather, some students from remote areas were unable to attend classes on the opening day. Nevertheless, the general mood on campus was optimistic.
The decision to resume classes was finalized on Sunday, July 27, following a series of meetings throughout the day between the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Md. Maksud Helali, and faculty members, administrative officials, and student representatives. After receiving the official notice, many students began arriving in Khulna on Monday, July 28.
“Classes began at 9:00 AM,” said Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Maksud Helali. “A schedule has been issued to begin examinations on August 7. All students, except those preparing for exams, attended their regular classes.”
General Secretary of the KUET Teachers' Association, Professor Faruk Hossain, stated, “Following the Vice-Chancellor's assurances, we have suspended our protest programs for three weeks. Upon the administration’s announcement of class resumption, faculty members have returned to the classroom.”
Students also voiced their relief and gratitude at the restart of academic activities. “My home is in Magura district,” said Aslam Hossain, a student of the 21st batch. “I came to Khulna yesterday (July 28) after hearing the announcement. I was delighted to know that classes were resuming. Many had vacated their hostel or mess accommodations during the closure. They have now started returning and renting rooms again. My classmates are also on their way back.”
Tanim Ahmed, a 19th batch student, shared, “We are very happy that the university has reopened. Things may not normalize immediately on the first day, but gradually they will. Many of our classmates had gone back to their families outside Khulna. They are also returning after receiving the notice. Overall, we are happy now, and we are thankful to our teachers.”
