A 15-day student movement over the change of vice chancellor has brought academic activities at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), one of Bangladesh’s leading technology and engineering universities, to a virtual standstill. Classes, examinations and other academic activities have been disrupted, while final examinations in at least six departments have already been postponed. The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has called for swift intervention by the prime minister to resolve the crisis.
The CAB Chattogram divisional and metropolitan leaders made the demand in a joint statement sent to the media on Monday (October 5) morning. They also expressed concern and anger over the role of the Ministry of Education in addressing the crisis at CUET.
According to the statement, outgoing CUET Vice Chancellor Professor Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem was removed without being given an opportunity to show cause just 56 days after taking office. Professor Sheikh Shariful Alam was appointed as the new vice chancellor. Students subsequently launched a movement demanding Sayem’s reinstatement and protesting his removal.
The movement has effectively halted classes, examinations and other academic activities at the university. Final examinations for different years and semesters in at least six departments have already been postponed. The statement said the 15-day stalemate has raised concerns that students’ academic careers could be delayed by at least three months.
CAB leaders said the protesters remain determined to continue their programmes until their demands are met. They warned that the crisis could therefore become prolonged.
Praising Professor Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem’s role, CAB leaders said he directly listened to students and teachers. They also said his personal communication with several foreign universities had helped CUET students access various opportunities for higher education and employment.
They alleged that appointing a vice chancellor from outside CUET, removing Professor Sayem without citing any reason just 56 days after he assumed office, and relieving him without informing him while he was in Dhaka on official business could not be considered a respectful process.
Meanwhile, newly appointed Vice Chancellor Professor Sheikh Shariful Alam has assumed office online but has yet to enter the campus because of student protests, the statement said.
CAB leaders said ensuring an environment for merit and knowledge-based academic practice is essential at higher education institutions. They called for merit and competence to be evaluated beyond personal interests or political preferences. They urged the highest level of government to act swiftly to restore normal academic activities at CUET by prioritising knowledge and academic practice over political influence and muscle power.
The statement was signed by CAB Central Committee Vice President S M Nazer Hossain; Chattogram Divisional General Secretary Kazi Iqbal Bahar Chhaberi; Metropolitan President Jessin Sultana Paru; General Secretary Ajay Mitra Shongku; Organising Secretary Jannatul Ferdous; Joint Secretary Mohammad Selim Jahangir; and Youth CAB Chattogram Metropolitan President Abu Hanif Noman.
Earlier, students began an “all-out shutdown” at CUET on September 22, demanding the reinstatement of Professor Dr Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem. As part of the movement, they have held several programmes, including red-card displays and torch processions.
The prolonged movement has effectively paralysed CUET’s regular academic activities. Final examinations for different years in at least six departments remain suspended. The protesting students have announced that they will not leave the streets until their demands are met.
//DBTech/NHC/SMO/BPC//
