Kuet delays resuming academic activities over security concerns, seeks police deployment

Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet) administration has postponed the resumption of the university's academic activities amid concerns of a potential student protest demanding the removal of Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Masud.

Meanwhile, the university has also requested police deployment on campus to prevent students from entering.

In a notice issued today (8 April), signed by Registrar Mohammad Anisur Rahman Bhuiyan, the administration said, "As per the decision of the 99th [emergency] syndicate meeting, the university's academic activities and residential halls will remain closed until further notice.

"We request patience from students and their guardians during this time."

The notice, however, states that administrative offices at the university will remain open starting from 15 April.

Additionally, the university registrar has requested the Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner to deploy police on campus from 11 April.

The letter states, "It has come to our attention through social media and other sources that some students are preparing to break into the residential halls, which is a clear violation of the law and could lead to unpleasant incidents on campus. Therefore, for overall security, it is essential to deploy police inside the campus starting 11 April."

The unrest at Kuet began on 18 February this year when students protested against the distribution of forms by Chhatra Dal, the student wing of the BNP. Tensions escalated between the student wing and other students, leading to violent clashes.

The university administration was criticised for failing to ensure the safety of students, prompting a movement demanding the resignation of the VC.

In face of protests, on 25 February, the university's 99th (emergency) syndicate meeting decided to shut the campus indefinitely.