Tensions high at Kuet as students lock academic buildings declaring class, exam boycott
Protesting students of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (Kuet) have locked all academic and administrative buildings, declaring an indefinite suspension of classes and exams.
Meanwhile, a tense environment prevails following a clash involving Kuet students and Jatiotabadi Chatradal members at the campus area over the demand to ban student politics.
Today (19 February) at around 1:45pm, students marched across the campus and locked the main entrances of several buildings as part of their demonstration.
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According to eyewitnesses, a campaign by the Jatiotabadi Chatradal, student body of the BNP, started on campus this morning, which led to protests by a group of students who opposed student politics.
Later, the two groups had a confrontation in front of the campus's central Jame Mosque, escalating into a clash. They also hurled bricks amid a chase and counter-chase.
At least 30 people were reportedly injured during the clash.
Later that night, protesting students held a press conference, issuing a five-point demand, including a complete ban on student politics, punishment for the attackers, and the resignation of key university officials.
They warned that academic activities would remain suspended until their demands were met.
The students had set a 1pm deadline today for Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohammad Masud, Pro-VC, and the Director of Student Welfare to resign, citing administrative failure.
The protest began yesterday (18 February) when students demanded the VC take responsibility for the violent attack on campus.
He, however, refused to do so, stating, "I have no failures. Fights happen."
This angered the students which led to a physical altercation with him when students reportedly threw shoes at him, and locked them inside a room. Following this, the VC fell ill and was admitted to the medical centre.
"The VC is being kept locked up inside a room in the university. The students said they will not let him out till he announces his resignation," our Khulna correspondent reported earlier.
Currently, the vice-chancellor, pro-vice-chancellor, and the director of student welfare are receiving treatment at Kuet's medical centre, while students continue their sit-in outside, insisting on their resignation.
