Kuet teachers refuse to return to classes without justice over assault incident

Teachers of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (Kuet) have announced they will not return to classes until those responsible for the recent clash and assault on faculty members are brought to justice.

Speaking to journalists in front of Durbar Bangla on campus around 2:30pm today (24 April), Dr Md Faruk Hossain, general secretary of the Kuet Teachers' Association, made the demand.

"Those who were involved in the clash must be held accountable. This incident has no connection with the demand for the removal of the vice-chancellor," he said. 

"A crime is a crime, and both our students and faculty members demand justice. Our position is clear — we will only return to classes after justice is ensured. Without this, a proper educational environment cannot be restored," he added.

Dr Faruk also expressed concern regarding the University Grants Commission (UGC) investigation into the removal of the VC and pro-VC.

"The education adviser came to speak with the protesting students and requested them to call off their protest. We failed to convince the students ourselves. Even the delegation led by UGC members expressed their helplessness on behalf of the government," he said. 

"Given the current situation of the country, the Teachers' Association is deeply concerned. However, in the interest of the university, we remain united."

Commenting on the matter, protesting student Nazmus Sakib said, "If any of our fellow students assaulted a teacher, we, too, demand punishment for them. But it must be through a proper, impartial investigation committee. The previous committee was biased, and there were many allegations against them. That's why we want the report to come from a neutral body."

Another hunger-striking student, Galib Rahat disagreed with the teacher leader's claim that there had not been a fair investigation into the removal of the VC and pro-VC.

"The UGC investigation team arrived on campus with the Education Adviser at 9.45am and announced the decision to remove the VC and pro-VC at midnight. That means they had a long time to investigate thoroughly," the student said. 

"Moreover, the report was approved by the ministry before the removal decision was announced. So, it cannot be said that the investigation was not fair," he added. 

'Removing Kuet VC, pro-VC without probe a blow to justice'

Teachers of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (Kuet) have strongly condemned the recent decision to remove the university's vice-chancellor and pro-vice-chancellor, calling it a defeat for justice carried out under pressure and without a fair investigation.

In a statement issued today (24 April), the Kuet Teachers' Association President Professor Md Shahidul Islam, and General Secretary Professor Faruk Hossain, expressed deep concern over the move.

"We had hoped for a politically neutral campus," the statement read. "However, it is disheartening to see that those who previously championed a non-political environment are now seemingly trapped in the grip of dark political forces. That's why the faculty's efforts to resolve the crisis that began on 18 February failed."

The association further claimed that even the education adviser and the delegation sent by him had appeared helpless in the face of the situation.

"As a result, this decision — made under pressure and without proper investigation — is essentially a loss for justice," it stated.

"If such actions continue even eight months after the July uprising, it may disrupt not only the academic atmosphere of universities but also pose a threat to national order and governance," the statement added.

Despite the turmoil, the KUET Teachers' Association affirmed its commitment to restoring a healthy academic environment at the university.

On 18 February, a group of "outsiders" launched an attack on the general students on the Kuet campus, injuring several.

The attackers also reportedly harassed the VC and other faculty members during the unrest.

Teachers have been demanding a proper investigation and accountability since the incident.

Later, the association formed a five-member inquiry committee led by Mechanical Engineering department professor Dr Abdullah Al Faruque to investigate the physical assault and cyberbullying against teachers.