Students of the Islamic University of Technology (IUT), operated by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have been boycotting classes and exams for nearly three weeks as part of their ongoing protests. The demonstrations, held at the IUT campus in Board Bazar, Gazipur, have included rallies, flashlight processions, and other programs. The protesters are demanding the dismissal of certain teachers and officials accused of corruption, negligence, misconduct, physical and mental harassment, sexual abuse, and embezzlement, as well as systemic reforms within the university.
The protests were triggered by the tragic deaths of three students on November 23, 2024. A bus carrying students from the Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering (MPE) to an annual picnic came into contact with an 11kV power line, leading to three fatalities and injuries to five others. Students blamed university authorities for negligence, and anger escalated following controversial remarks made by the department head and the Pro Vice-Chancellor, which many found insensitive. The remarks were perceived as attempts to shift blame onto grieving students, further fueling outrage.
Since November 28, the students have been staging protests and refusing to attend classes or exams, demanding the implementation of their nine-point charter, which includes addressing allegations of misconduct and establishing accountability. Abdullah Al Milhan, a student from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, noted allegations of a syndicate operating within the university under the guise of an unofficial faculty forum called “Cholok” (IUT Faculty Welfare Society). According to current and former students, this syndicate influences administrative decisions to serve personal or group interests, undermining student-friendly initiatives.
The International Students’ Council (ISC) of IUT has expressed solidarity with the protesters, joining their call for transparency, justice, and institutional reform. According to the protesters, their movement is built on principles of nonviolence and accountability, aiming to restore trust and integrity within the institution. They have vowed to continue boycotting classes and exams until their demands are met.
In response to the situation, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mohammad Rafiqul Islam stated that he personally informed the OIC Secretary General, who serves as the university’s Chancellor, about the students’ demands. The OIC has since issued a message urging students to remain calm and resume academic activities. A high-level delegation from the OIC is scheduled to visit Bangladesh on December 21 to assess the situation and hold discussions with students and university authorities.
Dr. Islam expressed hope that the delegation would address the concerns and take effective steps to resolve the crisis. However, students remain committed to their protest, stating they will not relent until their demands for justice and institutional reforms are fulfilled.
