Confusion arises as Kuet pro-VC says he did not resign, denies getting any ministry letter
Professor Alam stated that he was appointed as pro-VC on 4 December last year and since then, he claims to have been systematically sidelined
Amid an ongoing student movement, confusion has arisen over the resignation statuses of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet)'s vice-chancellor and pro-vice-chancellor.
Earlier today (24 April), Bangla daily Prothom Alo confirmed that a senior official at the Ministry of Education said the process to remove both the VC and pro-VC from office was underway.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Sheikh Shariful Alam, however, informed Prothom Alo that he has not resigned from his position, contradicting media reports and remarks from government officials.
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"I have seen media reports suggesting that both the vice-chancellor [VC] and I have been relieved from duty, and that Professor Harun-or-Rashid has been appointed as acting VC. However, I have not received any official communication regarding this, nor have I submitted a resignation letter," he clarified.
Instead, he says he has sent a formal letter to the education adviser — via a member of the University Grants Commission (UGC) — urging the authorities to refrain from making what he termed "biased decisions" and to initiate a thorough investigation before taking any disciplinary measures.
In his letter, a copy of which was obtained by Prothom Alo, Professor Alam stated that he was appointed as pro-VC on 4 December last year.
However, since then, he claims to have been systematically sidelined.
According to him, the VC did not allow him to participate in administrative or financial activities. Furthermore, a policy which allowed the pro-VC limited administrative authority was revoked in a special Syndicate meeting held on 11 January this year.
"For the past four months, I have not been permitted to sign any administrative or financial documents," he wrote, describing the pro-VC role as reduced to a ceremonial title.
He added, "I am still unaware of what wrongdoing I am being accused of, and I have not been given a chance to defend myself. Such a move — removing me without due process — will send the wrong message to the university campus."
Students had been demanding the resignation of the Kuet VC since a violent clash on 18 February between students and members of the BNP's student wing, Chhatra Dal, along with some outsiders affiliated with the party.
More than 100 students were injured during the incident.
The following day, students locked down the administrative and academic buildings.
The syndicate then decided to suspend all political activities on campus and formed an investigation committee. That night, the administration filed a case with Khanjahan Ali Police Station against 400–500 unidentified individuals.
Since then, students have been demanding the resignation of the vice-chancellor, accusing him of failing to ensure their safety and of allegedly supporting efforts to reintroduce student politics on campus.
On 20 February, students organised a protest rally and showed 'red cards' to all political student organisations, demanding the resignation of the VC.
On 23 February, students travelled to Dhaka and submitted a memorandum to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, outlining six demands including the VC's resignation and justice for the 18 February attack.
Subsequently, the 99th emergency syndicate meeting on 25 February decided to shut down all residential halls indefinitely. Students were ordered to vacate the dormitories by 10am the next day, prompting further protests on campus.
In response, they launched a protest that extended over 65 days.
