CUET Students Declare Professor Arafat Rahman Persona Non Grata

Amid ongoing administrative turmoil at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), general students have declared Professor Dr. Arafat Rahman (Rana) of the Mechanical Engineering Department persona non grata on campus. The announcement was issued through an official student statement on Tuesday (October 13, 2026), following three weeks of campus-wide demonstrations demanding the reinstatement of former Vice-Chancellor Sayem Sir. The decision underscores heightened tensions at the premier engineering institution over campus safety and administrative governance.

According to the official statement released by the demonstrating students, faculty members, students, officers, and staff across all departments have been conducting peaceful, campus-wide protests for the past three weeks seeking Sayem Sir's reinstatement. Students emphasized that the movement goes beyond individual appointments, representing a collective effort to safeguard CUET's administrative stability, academic dignity, and institutional integrity.

The statement expressed deep concern over the actions of Professor Dr. Arafat Rahman Rana, alleging that his recent conduct severely damaged trust among the demonstrating university community. Students alleged that during the ongoing movement, Professor Arafat facilitated the entry of controversial figures, including Sharif Sir and political activists, into the campus without maintaining transparency or consulting protesting stakeholders.

Furthermore, the statement highlighted past allegations against Professor Dr. Arafat Rahman concerning unprofessional behavior and physical altercations with fellow faculty members. Students called for an impartial investigation into these past incidents, reiterating that no compromises will be made regarding the safety, honor, and dignity of the university's academic staff and students.

While acknowledging the right to democratic dissent, student representatives asserted that facilitating the entry of expelled or unwanted elements into the core VC office compromised campus security. They stated that such actions directly threatened the peaceful academic environment of CUET.

In light of these grievances, severe loss of trust, and escalating frustration, the general student body formally declared Professor Dr. Arafat Rahman persona non grata across the CUET campus. Protesters reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the movement until their demands regarding accountability, safety, and institutional dignity are fully met.

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