After spending the night under the open sky, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet) students continued their sit-in under the scorching sun on Monday, with the administration scheduling an emergency syndicate meeting for 7pm ahead of administrative operations resuming Tuesday.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Masud said: “The syndicate will review the overall situation, including the report of the probe committee formed after the February 18 clash.”
He added: “The meeting will also consider whether the environment is conducive to resuming academic activities, and if so, when such activities could restart—or whether more time is needed."
Students alleged that since late Sunday night, the administration has locked the washrooms of the administrative building, forcing them to use nearby facilities.
They also claimed that security personnel harassed them when they tried to re-enter campus after stepping out for food or other necessities.
On Monday morning, several students were reportedly prevented from entering the premises altogether.
Expressing their frustration, the students said that they had been unable to celebrate Pohela Boishakh for the last five years due to Ramadan.
One student mentioned that they had hoped to celebrate it this year, but unfortunately, they ended up spending the day in front of the administrative building, protesting for the reopening of their halls.
On Sunday, around 3pm, over 150 students entered the campus as part of a pre-announced program and began their sit-in in front of the administrative building.
They submitted an application to the university authorities demanding the reopening of halls and issued an ultimatum until 8pm.
When the authorities failed to respond, they spent the night in protest at the same location.
Around 11am on Monday, Directorate of Student Welfare Assistant Director Prof Raju Ahmed informed the protesters that an emergency syndicate meeting would be held at 7pm.
However, he did not disclose the agenda. Students said they would decide on their next course of action after learning the outcome of the meeting.
