KUET shuts down academic activities until February 28 amid student protests; Vice-Chancellor refuses to step down

Tensions at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) have escalated as the university announced the suspension of academic activities until February 28. 

This decision came after a heated emergency syndicate meeting on Wednesday, February 19, where the demand for the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Masood was dismissed.

Professor Dr. Masood confirmed the suspension of classes and shared the outcome of the meeting, saying, 

"We discussed all the demands of the students. While we accepted their other requests, the demand for the resignation of the VC and several others was rejected."

One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the decision to take strict measures against political activities on campus. 

According to Dr. Masood, “Anyone involved in politics will face expulsion or termination from their position.”

The situation grew tense on campus earlier this week when violent clashes broke out between students following their demand for a ban on student politics. 

These clashes resulted in more than 50 students being injured, many suffering from sharp weapon injuries. 

The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, including Khulna Medical College Hospital and KUET Medical Center, with some also receiving treatment at private clinics.

In response to the violence, police have detained five individuals linked to the clashes. 

On Tuesday evening, student leaders called for the Vice-Chancellor‍‍`s resignation and presented a list of five demands. 

They also issued an ultimatum: if their demands were not met, they would lock down the university‍‍`s administrative and academic buildings.

The students made good on their threat when, around 1:30 PM on Wednesday, they locked the gates of both administrative and academic buildings.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, who was receiving treatment at the university‍‍`s medical center, was confined by the protesting students. 

Despite being confined, Dr. Masood chaired the syndicate meeting online to discuss the situation further.

In addition to the demand for the VC‍‍`s resignation, the syndicate meeting also decided to form a four-member committee to identify those responsible for the violent attacks on February 18. 

Further measures include providing medical expenses for the injured students and ensuring better security for all KUET students moving forward.

Dr. Masood also addressed the situation saying, “We are taking strict actions to prevent any future incidents. No one should engage in politics on the campus, and if they do, we will take necessary actions against them.”

The university has taken a firm stand in the face of the student protests and the recent violence, but the demand for the Vice-Chancellor’s resignation remains a central issue for many students.