Some students of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet) have expressed a desire to return to classes and apologized to faculty members for recent clashes and assaults on campus, but the teachers remain steadfast in their ongoing work abstention.
The Kuet Teachers’ Association on Sunday announced that they will stage a sit-in in front of the vice-chancellor’s office if those responsible for the recent clashes and assault on faculty members are not brought to justice by Monday.
The decision came during a general meeting of the association in the administrative building.
Following the meeting, the association announced the suspension of all administrative activities starting Sunday, alongside academic activities, as confirmed by its general secretary, Prof Dr Md Faruque Hossain, at a subsequent press conference.
Prior to the meeting, faculty members held discussions with the vice-chancellor regarding their demands.
During the press conference, the association alleged that the university administration has suspended judicial proceedings against those responsible, acting against university regulations.
They claimed that this has led to a crisis in Kuet’s academic environment, with the current administration allegedly appeasing an “invisible higher authority” at the expense of the university’s integrity by prioritizing the interests of only a handful of students.
Meanwhile, students submitted a written appeal to the vice-chancellor, demanding justice for all offences and the resumption of academic activities.
Students from five departments made the appeal, urging the administration to swiftly complete the judicial process and restore regular academic operations.
In their written statement, the students expressed deep concern and regret over the series of unfortunate events that began on February 18.
As ordinary students, they condemned all forms of wrongdoing and called for proper investigations and fair trials.
Apologizing to the teachers, the students said that the misconduct and disrespect shown towards faculty members, whom they regard as parental figures, by a few overenthusiastic individuals during the ongoing protests have strained student-teacher relations.
They extended an apology to all faculty members and urged that justice be administered through the university administration’s procedures.
While opposing a judicial probe, the students expressed support for the five-point demand raised by fellow students.
However, they opposed the inclusion of external parties and the formation of a judicial investigation committee, arguing that it would complicate and prolong the process, thereby increasing student suffering and further deteriorating student-teacher relations.
Reaffirming their trust in the university administration, the students said they believe justice can be delivered through internal procedures and expressed confidence that no innocent individuals would be punished.
They also expressed hope that academic activities, which have been suspended for the past three months, could soon resume through a resolution of the current crisis.
The clash at Kuet first broke out on February 18 over demands to ban student politics, leaving more than 100 people injured.
Facing student protests, the government subsequently removed the then vice-chancellor and pro-vice-chancellor.
On May 1, Prof Hazrat Ali of the Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) was appointed as the interim vice-chancellor of Kuet.
Soon after the appointment, the faculty members began a new phase of protests, which have continued to the present day.
