Cuet teachers, staff stage work abstention, sit-in demanding ex-VC's reinstatement
On 21 September, the Ministry of Education issued a notification removing Prof Sayem as Cuet vice-chancellor and appointing Prof Sheikh Shariful Alam in his place.
Teachers, officials and employees of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) observed a work abstention and sit-in today (27 September), demanding the reinstatement of Professor Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem as vice-chancellor (VC).
They staged the programme in front of the university's VC building from 11am to 1pm.
Members of the university's officers' and employees' associations also joined the programme in solidarity with the Cuet Teachers' Association.
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Speaking at the programme, Associate Prof Syed Masrur Ahmad said, "We have only one demand — to preserve the university's identity and autonomy. The teachers have no personal demands. The current deadlock has put us under mental pressure, and the students are falling behind. Despite our willingness, we are unable to continue academic activities."
He urged the government to resolve the ongoing crisis in line with its mission and vision and prevent further disruption to students' academic life.
Priyotosh Chakraborty, general secretary of the Cuet Employees' Association, said the 21 September government notification removing Prof Sayem and appointing a new vice-chancellor must be withdrawn.
"We express solidarity with the demands of our respected teachers. We will continue our work abstention until Sayem sir is reinstated," he said.
Meanwhile, students also announced a "complete shutdown" and a stricter sit-in at the university's main gate from 10am today.
As part of their programme, they organised a symbolic "question march" at 1:30pm, carrying papers bearing the number "56?".
From 2pm, students continued street theatre and a "56 Corner" on campus. According to the announced programme, they are highlighting various development initiatives undertaken for the campus and students during Prof Sayem's 56 days as vice-chancellor.
A memory board has also been set up at the "56 Corner", where students can write down memories involving Prof Sayem and pin photographs taken with him.
On 21 September, the Ministry of Education issued a notification removing Prof Sayem as Cuet vice-chancellor and appointing Prof Sheikh Shariful Alam in his place. Students began protesting on campus that night.
From 22 September, they launched a complete shutdown, bringing classes, examinations and other academic activities to a halt. They later held a mass-signature campaign and vowed to continue the movement until Prof Sayem is reinstated.
On 24 September, newly appointed Vice-Chancellor Prof Sheikh Shariful Alam formally assumed office by sending his joining letter to the president and the education ministry secretary without coming to campus.
The same day, the Cuet Teachers' Association announced a complete work abstention at an emergency meeting. The officers' and employees' associations later issued statements expressing solidarity with the programme.
