A total of 80 students from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet) have left for Dhaka to meet the chief adviser, demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Masud, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Shariful Islam, and the appointment of a new administration.
The students departed from the Kuet campus by bus, tying red cloths on their heads as a symbol of protest on Sunday morning.
Before their departure, they held a press conference on campus at 6:30am, saying: "Students feel unsafe on campus. That is why a delegation is going to Dhaka to present our demands to the chief adviser. Until security is ensured, all students will relocate to a safer place and academic activities will continue online."
They also alleged that no action has been taken against those responsible for recent attacks on students.
"Some teachers, including the VC, are claiming our demands have been met. This is completely false. The attackers have been identified, yet unknown individuals have been accused instead. The 'Bloody Kuet' exhibition has detailed the names, identities, and photos of armed assailants, but no action has been taken against Chhatra Dal and BNP supporters on campus. We believe the Kuet administration is complicit," they added.
Background of the protest
On Friday, the students sent a letter to the chief adviser, outlining their grievances.
The letter stated that on August 11, 2024, the university's 93rd emergency syndicate meeting banned all political activities on campus. Despite this, Chhatra Dal attempted to resume political activities, prompting Kuet students to stage a peaceful protest on February 18. During the demonstration, Chhatra Dal activists allegedly threatened and assaulted the protesters, leading to a violent confrontation.
According to the letter, BNP-backed activists later launched a four-hour attack on Kuet students, injuring over 100. The university failed to ensure student safety, prompting students to demand the resignation of the VC and Pro-VC through a six-point demand. After their ultimatum was ignored, students escalated their protest, calling for the removal of key officials.
Violence on February 18
The clashes on February 18 saw chases and counter-chases between student factions over the demand to ban student politics.
At least 50 students were injured, many suffering sharp weapon wounds. The injured were treated at Khulna Medical College Hospital, Kuet Medical Centre, and private clinics.
That night, students held a press conference and issued a five-point demand, including the VC's resignation.
When their demands remained unmet, they locked down administrative and academic buildings around 1:30pm on February 19.
Meanwhile, the Kuet VC was blockaded at the medical centre from 4pm on February 18 until 5:15pm on February 19.
Despite being confined, he presided over an emergency syndicate meeting online on February 19.
Authorities have since arrested five individuals in connection with the clashes, but tensions remain high on campus.