Thirteen hours after breaking the lock of the Vice-Chancellor’s (VC) residence at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet), students attempted to lock it again but were stopped by teachers and eventually retreated.
Professor Dr Faruk Hossain, general secretary of the Kuet Teachers' Association, said: “I was in a meeting with the president of the teachers’ association, senior faculty members, and department heads at the VC’s residence, discussing campus security and other important matters. At that time, students attempted to lock the main gate of the VC’s residence. Seeing the situation, all the teachers came out and spoke with the students. After hearing our concerns, the students left without locking it.”
According to the students, they broke the lock on the residence the previous night and issued an ultimatum for the VC to vacate by 10:30am.
However, as the deadline passed and the VC remained inside, students returned at noon to lock the main gate.
The teachers opposed the move, leading the students to retreat without enforcing the lock.
Kuet Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Masud said he returned to his residence at night for medical treatment and did not notice any lock.
“I have office responsibilities, but due to my health, I spend most of my time at the residence while continuing my work,” he added.
On Tuesday, clashes broke out between students over their demand to ban student politics at Kuet, leading to violent confrontations.
At least 50 students were injured, many suffering sharp weapon wounds. The injured were admitted to Khulna Medical College Hospital, Kuet Medical Centre, and nearby clinics.
Following the incident, police arrested five people. Later that night, students held a press conference and placed five demands, including the resignation of the VC. When their demands were not met, they locked administrative and academic buildings at around 1:30pm on February 19.
The VC was also confined at the Kuet Medical Centre from 4pm on Tuesday until 5:15pm on Wednesday. During this period, he chaired an emergency syndicate meeting online on February 19.
On February 21, Kuet students locked the VC’s residence in protest. Later, on February 24 at 11pm, the VC entered his residence after the lock had been broken by unknown individuals. Students then issued an ultimatum for him to leave by 10:30am on February 25.
