BUET Bans Partisan Politics

Following the fall of the government in a student-led uprising, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) resumed regular academic activities with the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor. However, the situation escalated again when two students, involved with the student wing of a political party, were allowed into the dormitories. In response, students began boycotting classes and exams from September 24, demanding a formal ban on political activities on campus.

BUET administration has now agreed to the students' demands and officially banned political activities. According to the university administration, students are prohibited from affiliating with any political organization.

On Saturday, September 28, the university's Registrar, Professor Dr. Md. Forkan Uddin, issued a notice confirming this decision. The notice explained that this decision was made to uphold academic standards, ensure merit is properly recognized, and elevate BUET’s standing on the global stage.

The notice further clarified that in accordance with section 16 of BUET Ordinance’s Board of Residence and Discipline, a decision was made during the 503rd emergency meeting of the Academic Council. The purpose of this decision was to curb the influence of partisan politics.

It was stated, "No student of this university will be allowed to affiliate with any political party or organization except for approved clubs or societies. Students must adhere to the university’s ordinances, and violations will result in appropriate disciplinary action as outlined in the ordinances."

BUET had previously experienced unrest in 2019 following the murder of student Abrar Fahad. Since the beginning of this year, there have been renewed demands for a ban on student politics. The situation intensified when central leaders of a Chhatra League, the student wing of the ousted Awami League party entered BUET at night, calling for the resumption of political activities, resulting in a shutdown of classes and exams for nearly a month and a half.

Furthermore, a separate anti-discrimination student movement and protests by faculty over the cancellation of the Universal Pension Scheme also caused class suspensions since July. Consequently, students at this prestigious institution are now facing session backlogs.