CUET Teachers Strike, New VC Downplays Protest

Tensions at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) have escalated into an institutional standoff as the CUET Teachers' Association launched an all-out work abstention on Thursday night, demanding the reinstatement of recently removed Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem. In contrast, newly appointed Vice-Chancellor Professor Sheikh Shariful Alam dismissed the campus agitation as minor, confirming that he has already tendered his joining letter and plans to physically assume charge shortly.

The Teachers' Association reached the unanimous decision during an emergency virtual assembly hosted via Zoom at 9:30 PM on Thursday, 24 September 2026. Condemning the abrupt executive removal of Prof. Sayem, the association called for an indefinite suspension of academic and administrative duties until his official reinstatement. CUET Teachers' Association President Professor Md. Ahsanullah confirmed the resolution, noting: "The association has resolved to enforce an absolute strike. However, to mitigate student suffering, residential halls and essential campus utility services will remain strictly outside the jurisdiction of this strike." The assembly further denounced defamatory and baseless narratives targeted at faculty members across social media networks, following a joint press conference held earlier on Thursday alongside the Officers' and Staff Associations.

Conversely, newly appointed Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sheikh Shariful Alam downplayed the magnitude of the unrest. Speaking via telephone on Friday evening, 25 September 2026, Prof. Alam asserted that administrative stability was returning to the campus. "The operational scale of the protest is marginal; merely 30 to 35 students were initially involved. The padlocks on administrative entrances have already been cleared, and many student cohorts are preparing to welcome my arrival," he stated.

Prof. Alam confirmed that his formal joining credentials have been submitted to the authorities, and local administration protocols are currently coordinating security perimeters. "As an alumnus of this prestigious institution, I maintain deep institutional roots here. A substantial cross-section of faculty members, administrative staff, and student bodies have reached out to assure their full collaboration. Barring unforeseen contingencies, I intend to take physical charge of the campus before Sunday," he added, outlining his commitment to establishing an inclusive, globally competitive academic ecosystem at CUET.

//DBTech/TA/ SME/MIST//