Students of Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (Ruet) staged a protest in front of the administrative building on Wednesday morning demanding the fulfilment of nine specific demands and threatening a shutdown otherwise.
The students locked the room of the dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Kamruzzaman Ripon and the administrative building.
They then presented their nine-point demand in the presence of the vice chancellor.
While the VC assured them of addressing the issues, the students demanded an immediate formal announcement.
The main gate of Ruet was also locked by the protesting students.
At 3:30pm on Wednesday an emergency meeting was being held in the Vice-Chancellor’s office.
The demands of the students include many significant points. They demand the implementation of a coding system for the evaluation of semester final answer sheets, along with an official circular to ensure a transparent and impartial assessment process; prompt publication of semester results and grade sheets, along with the opportunity for students to review their answer scripts; immediate suspension and subsequent permanent dismissal (based on investigation) of officials and employees accused of misconduct during previous oppressive regimes, along with appropriate legal action.
They want assurance of regular classes conducted by teachers, with attendance calculated fairly. If a class is missed due to a teacher’s unavailability, all students should be marked present for that day. Attendance for extra classes should be counted as one class only.
Monthly mental health awareness sessions for students in every department to help reduce stress, along with seminars for teachers on mental health awareness.
They also demand enhanced security measures on the campus and surrounding areas.
The students want appropriate actions against teachers, including Md Golam Mostakim and Civil Faculty Dean Md Kamruzzaman Ripon, for intentionally failing students in exams.
They said teachers must demonstrate professional behaviour towards students and their actions should be monitored and held accountable.
