Kuet fails to resume classes as teachers continue boycott
The new vice-chancellor of the university has initiated efforts to strengthen the academic activities at Kuet
Although classes at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet) were scheduled to begin today (4 May) according to the previous syndicate's decision, they did not take place.
Kuet Teachers' Association stated that teachers will not return to the classrooms until exemplary punishment is given to the students involved in the assault on a teacher.
"In the general meeting held on 18 April, the teachers decided that no teacher will take classes or exams until disciplinary action is taken against the culprits," said Professor Dr Md Shahidul Islam, president of the Kuet Teachers' Association.
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However, sources said the new vice-chancellor of the university has initiated efforts to strengthen the academic activities at Kuet.
Professor Dr Md Abdullah Ilyas Akhtar, director of Student Welfare at Kuet, said, "The decision to start classes today was made by the previous vice-chancellor's syndicate. The government has removed him. The new vice-chancellor is making efforts to start the classes."
"He [new VC] joined just one day ago but has already made significant progress, with meetings taking place regularly. We hope that everything will be settled soon, and classes will begin quickly," he added.
On 18 February, Kuet's outgoing vice-chancellor, Professor Dr Muhammad Mashud, along with several teachers, was reportedly physically assaulted by students and was also held hostage. Following the incident, some teachers expressed their strong dissatisfaction.
Professor Dr Md Faruk Hossain, general secretary of the Teachers' Association, said a five-member committee has been formed to investigate the incident. The committee is collecting evidence and preparing a report to take action against the identified culprits.
However, Kuet students are eager to resume academic activities quickly. The protesting students have stated that their movement was primarily against the vice-chancellor, not the teachers.
With classes and exams having been suspended for over two months, they want the university to return to normalcy as soon as possible.
Kuet student Rahatul Islam said, "We have already apologised to the teachers for our behaviour. We do not wish to have any animosity with anyone. We are ready to apologise again to the teachers to restore normalcy."
