Faculty Press Conference Demands Reinstatement of Dr. Sayem; 2-Hour Strike Announced for Sunday

Intensifying protests demanding the reinstatement of former Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem, the teachers and students of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) continued their demonstrations today. Speaking to reporters during a press conference held at 3:00 PM today, Thursday (24 September), CUET Teachers' Association President Professor Dr. Mohammad Ahsanullah firmly stated regarding the newly appointed VC, "We do not want the new VC at the university."

Leaders of the Officers and Employees Association were also present alongside teacher representatives at the press conference. Speaking on behalf of the Teachers' Association, leaders stated, "Since assuming office, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem earned immense respect and acceptance among teachers, students, officers, and staff through his dynamic leadership." They emphasized that a swift resolution to the current crisis is imperative to maintain academic and administrative momentum and sustain the ongoing development of CUET. The association is preparing to submit a memorandum to the relevant authorities and is considering presenting their demands directly to the Education Minister.

The association announced that teachers, officers, and employees will observe a two-hour work strike from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on coming Sunday. They warned of stricter protest programs if the government fails to resolve the matter promptly.

Meanwhile, students observed a complete campus shutdown for the third consecutive day today. Protesting students gathered for a human chain in front of the Central Shaheed Minar at 11:45 AM, boycotting all classes and examinations. Demonstrators displayed placards bearing slogans such as "Who is our VC? Sayem Sir, None Else", "Let the Streets Rise, Bring Back Sayem Sir", and "One Single Demand: Sayem Sir as VC". Debajit Das Gupta, a fourth-year Civil Engineering student, stated during the demonstration, "Sayem Sir is a multi-talented academic. He was an exceptionally accepted teacher and VC among students. Our movement will continue until he is reinstated."

Following the human chain, fourth-year student Mostafa Khalid Bin Shams Arian read out an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. In a press release, students stated that the open letter will be formally dispatched to the Prime Minister, alongside a memorandum to the Chittagong Divisional Commissioner. Earlier on Wednesday, students submitted a memorandum outlining their demands to Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie and the Chittagong District Commissioner.

Students also continued their campus-wide mass signature collection drive that started on Wednesday, and a torchlight procession across the campus is scheduled for 6:30 PM this evening.

The press conference further highlighted that various national and international alumni platforms—including alumni networks in the US, Germany, Japan, Australia, Canada, and Malaysia—have expressed solidarity with the ongoing student and faculty movement. However, students raised objections regarding a statement issued under the banner of the 'CUET Alumni Association' centered around IEB Dhaka, claiming it failed to take a clear stance in favor of their demands and instead presented both sides ambiguously. Several alumni members later clarified that their opinions were not sought prior to the release of that statement.

Notably, on the night of 21 September, the Ministry of Education issued a notification relieving Professor Dr. Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem of his duties and appointing KUET Professor Dr. Sheikh Shariful Alam as the new VC of CUET. Students immediately staged protests that night and initiated a complete campus shutdown from 22 September.

//DBTech/Tanvir Ahmad/CPM/IH//