KUET Suspends Academic Activities Until February 28 Amid Student Protests
Vice-Chancellor Rejects Resignation Demand, Students Continue Protests
Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) has suspended all academic activities until February 28, 2025, following ongoing student protests demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor (VC) Dr. Muhammad Masud. The decision was made during an emergency syndicate meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. However, the students’ key demand for the VC’s resignation was rejected, intensifying tensions on campus.
Emergency Syndicate Meeting and Key Decisions
Confirming the decision, VC Dr. Muhammad Masud said,
"The syndicate meeting discussed all student demands, and most of them were accepted. However, the demand for my resignation was not approved."
During the meeting, several key decisions were taken to address the escalating situation:
- Strict action against political activities: The syndicate decided to ban all political activities on campus. Any student or staff found involved in politics will face expulsion or dismissal.
- Disciplinary action against attackers: The students involved in the February 18 attack will be expelled.
- Legal action against outsiders: Cases will be filed against external individuals who were involved in the violence.
- Medical support for injured students: The university will cover the treatment costs of injured students.
- Investigation committee formed: A four-member committee has been established to identify and take action against those responsible for the violence.
Campus Tension Over Student Politics Ban
Tensions at KUET escalated on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, when protests erupted over the demand to ban student politics. The protests led to violent clashes between student groups, resulting in at least 50 students being injured, many suffering from sharp weapon wounds. The injured were taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital, KUET Medical Center, and nearby private clinics.
Following the violence, five individuals were arrested by the police.
Students’ Five-Point Demand and Lockdown of Campus Buildings
On Tuesday night (February 18, 2025), students held a press conference and announced a five-point demand, which included:
- Resignation of the Vice-Chancellor.
- Ban on student politics inside the university.
- Punishment for those involved in the February 18 attack.
- Legal action against outsiders who participated in the violence.
- Ensuring safety and security of all students on campus.
They also warned the administration that if their demands were not met, they would lock down the university’s administrative and academic buildings.
As a result, on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 1:30 PM, students locked the university’s main administrative and academic buildings in protest.
Vice-Chancellor Confined Inside Medical Center
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Muhammad Masud, who was receiving treatment at the KUET Medical Center, was reportedly blocked inside by protesting students. Despite being confined, he chaired the emergency syndicate meeting online.
Current Situation at KUET
As of today, Wednesday, February 19, 2025, the situation at KUET remains tense, with students continuing their protests. The administration has made it clear that the VC will not step down, but they have agreed to take action against those responsible for the violence.
With academic activities suspended until February 28, the future of the protests remains uncertain. Students have vowed to continue their movement until their demands are fully met, while the administration insists that disciplinary actions will be enforced to restore normalcy on campus.
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