The Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) has decided to uphold its ban on political activities while forming a four-member investigation committee to identify those responsible for recent unrest.
The decision was made during an emergency syndicate meeting held online on Wednesday, at 11:30 AM, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Masud. The resolutions from the meeting were confirmed in an official statement signed by KUET Registrar and Engineer Md. Anisur Rahman Bhuiyan.
According to the decisions made in the syndicate meeting, the political activity ban imposed on August 8, 2024, will remain in effect. This means that all students are strictly prohibited from being involved with any political organizations.
In addition, under Section 44(5) of the KUET Act 2003, all faculty members, officials, and employees are also prohibited from engaging in political activities. Any violation of this law will result in disciplinary action, including dismissal. Students found involved in political activities may face permanent expulsion and cancellation of their enrollment following an investigation.
The university administration has decided to take legal action against external individuals involved in Tuesday’s clashes. Students directly involved in the incidents will face temporary suspension, while an investigation committee will conduct a full inquiry. The four-member investigation committee has been tasked with submitting a report within three working days.
The committee is chaired by Professor Dr. M.M.A. Hashem from the Computer Science and Engineering Department, with Professor Dr. Mohammad Abu Yusuf, Provost of Shaheed Smriti Hall, Professor Dr. Abu Zakir Morshed from the Civil Engineering Department, and Assistant Director of Student Welfare Shah Mohammad Azmat Ullah serving as members.
To ensure the safety of students on campus and in surrounding areas, security measures will be implemented under the supervision of the Khulna Divisional Commissioner. The university will cover the medical expenses of all injured students. In light of the situation, all academic activities at KUET have been suspended until February 28.
Following the announcement, students demanding the Vice-Chancellor’s resignation and the fulfillment of five other demands locked down administrative and academic buildings indefinitely after their 1 PM deadline for action had passed. The protesting students stated that since the administration did not take any steps to address their concerns, they decided to lock the university’s administrative building, academic buildings, and various departments.
On Wednesday morning, students began demonstrating in front of the university’s medical center, where Vice-Chancellor Muhammad Masud has been receiving treatment since Tuesday night after reportedly feeling unwell.
Meanwhile, at noon on Wednesday, leaders and activists from Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal staged a protest at Shib Bari Mor in Khulna. Later, at 12:30 PM, Chhatra Dal leaders held a press conference at the Khulna Press Club, demanding punishment for those responsible for the KUET violence.
The unrest stems from a clash on Tuesday between KUET Chhatra Dal and the "Anti-Discrimination Student Movement," along with general students, which left over 50 people injured. Later that night, tensions escalated at Shib Bari Mor, where BNP-affiliated groups and student activists confronted each other, though no further violence occurred.
