CUET students end shutdown,  continue movement for ex-VC’s return

CHATTOGRAM, Oct 26: After a 34-day academic shutdown, CUET students are set to return to classes on Wednesday (Oct 28) while continuing their movement demanding the reinstatement of former VC Prof. Dr. Abu Sayed Muhammad Sayem.

Students of Chattogram University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) have called off their ongoing shutdown after the long academic deadlock in consideration of their academic losses. 

According to CUET sources, classes, examinations and laboratory activities are scheduled to resume accordingly, following a joint decision by the students and the CUET Teachers’ Association.

In an open letter issued around 11am on Sunday, students said the prolonged suspension of academic activities had seriously affected their education and future prospects. They stressed that returning to classrooms did not mean withdrawing from their movement.

“We want normal academic activities to resume as soon as possible, but our movement for the reinstatement of VC Prof Sayem will continue. We want an honourable solution to the crisis, not confrontation,” said Mahathir, a CUET student.

Samiun Basir, joint secretary of the CUET Teachers’ Association, said a general meeting of the association decided to call on students to return to classes. The respective departments will decide when to resume academic activities, he added.

The students and teachers remain opposed to the appointment of the current VC, Prof. Dr. Sheikh Shariful Alam, and have pledged to boycott administrative activities involving him. They warned of launching another strict movement if he enters the campus.

On September 21, the Ministry of Education removed Prof. Sayem and appointed Prof. Shariful Alam, formerly of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), as the new VC. Protesting the decision, students launched a complete shutdown on September 22.

The protests halted most academic activities and led to the postponement of 34 examinations across seven departments.

Earlier, the new VC entered his office after breaking a lock with the assistance of Chhatra Dal leaders. Students later confined him inside the building. After he fell ill, the administration helped take him out about 24 hours later.