DUET VC still barred from campus 5 days after appointment

A deadlock continues at Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) in Gazipur over the appointment of the university’s new vice-chancellor, as newly appointed VC Prof Dr. Mohammad Iqbal has been unable to enter the campus even five days after assuming office.

Meanwhile, police have filed a case against 200 to 250 unidentified individuals in connection with clashes that erupted during the ongoing student movement on the campus.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday morning, DUET Registrar Prof Dr. Abu Toyeb said all formalities regarding the appointment of the vice-chancellor had been completed, but the newly appointed VC could not enter the campus due to continuing protests by general students. However, he added that no untoward incident had been reported so far on Tuesday.

Prof Dr. Mohammad Iqbal officially joined as vice-chancellor on May 14 through a notification signed by the deputy secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division under the Ministry of Education, with approval from the President and Chancellor.

According to the government notification, he has been appointed for a four-year term and is expected to stay on the university campus full-time as the institution’s chief executive officer.

At around 10:45am on Tuesday, Prof Dr. Iqbal said he had been carrying out his duties regularly despite not entering the campus.

“We will hold a general meeting. After discussions, we will enter the campus gradually and peacefully,” the VC added.

Gazipur Sadar Metro Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Aminul Islam confirmed the filing of the case on Tuesday and added that 200 to 250 unidentified individuals had been accused over the clashes.

The situation on the campus remained calm as of Tuesday morning, concluded the OC.

NAS/TZ