CUET students march blindfolded, demand former VC’s reinstatement

Students of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) continued their protest demanding the reinstatement of recently removed Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem.

As part of the movement, they boycotted classes and exams and observed a “complete shutdown”. They also held a blindfolded procession on Wednesday afternoon, with students from different departments taking part.

The students said the march symbolised their protest against the administration’s silence. They have been observing various programmes for nine consecutive days but said no effective steps have been taken to address their demand.

CUET student Ishtiaq Mahmud said Prof Sayem had taken several student-friendly initiatives to modernise the university within 56 days of taking office. He said the movement would continue until Sayem is reinstated.

Students began protesting on September 21 after the decision to replace the vice-chancellor. They have since held sit-ins, human chains and mass signature campaigns. The CUET Teachers’ Association has also expressed solidarity with the movement.

Prof Sayem was removed on September 21 and replaced by Prof Dr Sheikh Shariful Alam of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET). Sayem was appointed CUET VC on July 27.

-AJM