The Teachers' Association of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) has urged acting Vice-Chancellor Dr. Md. Hazrat Ali to resign immediately, labeling him as incapable of performing his duties.
KUET Teachers' Association announced its stance during a general meeting on Wednesday (May 21), followed by a press conference held from 1 PM to 3 PM.
The teachers criticized the acting VC for his inaction amid ongoing faculty and student protests, stating that his lack of leadership has deepened the crisis on campus.
Professor Dr. Md. Faruk Hossain, General Secretary of the Teachers' Association, stated that since May 4, teachers have been boycotting classes and, from May 18, administrative duties as well; demanding disciplinary action against students involved in an earlier assault on faculty members.
"Despite our peaceful protests and repeated demands, the Vice-Chancellor has taken no meaningful steps," he said. "His inaction has effectively stalled KUET’s academic and administrative functions."
The situation worsened when Dr. Hazrat Ali left for Dhaka on May 19, reportedly for official work, promising to return the next day. However, he has yet to return to campus and the university vehicle he used was sent back without him. “Even as teachers and students continue protest sit-ins, he has remained unresponsive,” Dr. Faruk added.
Further complicating the crisis, official designated by Vice-Chancellor to manage routine tasks in his absence informed him in writing that he would not be able to fulfill those responsibilities. This has left the institution without an acting authority, effectively rendering KUET leaderless.
As part of their ongoing movement, the Teachers' Association has announced a human chain protest on campus at 11 AM on Thursday. Faculty members also held a symbolic sit-in from 12 PM to 1 PM in front of Vice-Chancellor’s office and administrative building on Wednesday. One faction of students joined the demonstration in solidarity with the teachers, while another group; engaged in protests for the past three months, remains undecided about its next course of action.
Classes and exams at KUET have been suspended since a violent clash on February 18, affecting academic life of approximately 7,500 students. New student batches are still waiting for their academic sessions to begin.
The teachers stressed that having to protest on the streets to be heard is both unfortunate and unacceptable for an academic institution of KUET’s stature.
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