Faculty members of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) have given Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Dr. Mihir Ranjan Halder a 24-hour deadline to restore normal academic operations and ensure a conducive educational environment on campus.
Failing this, the teachers warned they would launch a tougher, one-point movement demanding a decisive resolution to the leadership crisis.
Tensions continue to escalate at KUET as teachers, under the banner of Teachers’ Association, staged a sit-in for the second consecutive day in front of Vice Chancellor’s office.
The protest, held from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, was organized to press home their longstanding demand for disciplinary action against those involved in incidents of February 18 and 19, during which several teachers were allegedly harassed.
Addressing a press briefing following the demonstration, Professor Dr. Md. Faruk Hossain, General Secretary of KUET Teachers’ Association, announced that the VC has until 1:00 PM tomorrow (May 21) to take effective measures to resume regular academic activities and ensure a supportive learning environment. Failure to meet this deadline, he warned, would compel teachers to announce a strict one-point demand; questioning VC’s ability to continue in office.
“If Vice Chancellor cannot create a workable environment for classes to resume, then he alone must take responsibility. He must decide whether he can run the university. If not, he should step aside,” said Dr. Faruk Hossain.
Teachers have been staging protests since May 4, calling for justice over past campus incidents and demanding a safe and functional academic setting.
According to Professor Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam, President of the Teachers’ Association, a potential resolution was discussed in a meeting with the VC on May 14, where a guideline for restoring normalcy was provided.
“We had planned to return to classes last Sunday based on that understanding,” said Dr. Shahidul. “But the delay in holding one critical disciplinary meeting has brought everything to a halt. We even gave VC seven working days to act. Since he failed, we were forced to resume our protest.”
Expressing frustration over VC's absence from campus during this crucial period, Dr. Shahidul added, “How can he prioritize paperwork over such a pressing crisis? We were told he will return today. That’s why we’re giving one final chance; until tomorrow at 1:00 PM, to restore order or face intensified protest.”
Teachers announced they will continue their sit-in from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM tomorrow in front of VC’s office, where they are expected to declare their next course of action if their demands are not met.
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