KUET students take a stand against administration and student politics by displaying red cards

In a strong statement against the university administration and political student organizations, students from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) showed red cards in protest. 

This event took place on Thursday, February 20, at 12 PM near the Durbar Bangla statue on campus.

During the protest, students displayed red cards to various political student organizations such as Chhatra Dal, Chhatra League, Chhatra Shibir, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Chhatra Union, and Chhatra Maitree. 

They also demanded the resignation of KUET‍‍`s Vice-Chancellor. The students took to the streets with slogans and signs, calling for an end to student politics and criticizing the university administration’s handling of student safety. 

Some of the slogans included, “Student politics should not exist here,” “No to Chhatra Dal, No to Chhatra Shibir, No to Discrimination, Only Students,” “Where was the administration when blood was spilled?” “We want knowledge, not political destruction,” “The administration mocks while students’ blood is shed,” and “Red card for student politics.”

With these actions, students expressed their deep frustration over the ongoing issues surrounding campus safety and the political activities on campus. 

One student group even carried signs that read, “Bakul Flower, Bakul Flower, VC, you’ve made a mistake,” “Mashud, leave KUET,” and “The VC will be shattered.” These statements were direct calls for the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor, reflecting the students’ anger over how the situation was being handled.

After showing the red cards, a few students spoke at the rally. They pointed out that their six demands following an attack on KUET students by outsiders on Tuesday had not been met. 

As a result, they announced that they would be boycotting the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-VC, and Director of Student Welfare. 

They also showed red cards to all political student organizations on campus, signifying their disapproval of these groups’ involvement in student politics.

One key concern voiced by the students was the administration’s inability to ensure their safety. Due to this, the students are now calling for a change in leadership, urging the administration to take stronger action to protect them. 

To make their demands clear, the students said they would be submitting a memorandum to the Chief Advisor.

After the rally, the students organized a march around the campus, which concluded back at the Durbar Bangla statue.

In another development, the students revealed that they would be visiting the Student Welfare Center at 3 PM to review images and videos of the attack on students.

Meanwhile, the university’s 93rd Syndicate meeting on Wednesday resulted in a decision to suspend all political activities at KUET. 

Students involved in politics will face permanent expulsion and the cancellation of their student status. Teachers, staff, and employees will also not be allowed to participate in any political activities.

In response to the clashes on Tuesday, a committee has been formed to investigate the situation. 

The committee, led by Professor M.M.A. Hashem from the Computer Science and Engineering Department, is expected to report its findings within three working days. 

KUET administration also filed a case on Wednesday night at Khan Jahan Ali Police Station, naming 400-500 unidentified individuals as suspects in connection with the incident.