Cuet shutdown enters 18th day, Prof Arafat gets VC interim duties for 2 days
An official email sent yesterday evening confirmed the temporary assignment, according to relevant sources.
Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) has assigned Mechanical Engineering Department Professor Arafat Rahman to perform routine vice-chancellor duties tomorrow (11 October) and the day after, as an 18-day shutdown over demands to reinstate former vice-chancellor Abu Sadaat Muhammad Sayem continues to disrupt university operations.
An official email sent yesterday evening confirmed the temporary assignment, according to relevant sources. Current VC Professor Sheikh Shariful Alam will be in Dhaka during the two days.
Prof Arafat said he will carry out the administrative responsibilities assigned to him.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The announcement sparked discussion among students after it emerged late last night. Students also reacted on social media.
The unrest began after Sheikh Shariful Alam, formerly associated with Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet), was appointed Cuet's new VC on 21 September.
Students launched a movement demanding Sayem's reinstatement. Teachers, officers and employees later joined the movement through work abstentions.
Protesters have prevented the new VC from entering the campus, forcing him to conduct administrative activities virtually.
According to Cuet sources, the shutdown has halted around 25 to 30 examinations across 18 specialised departments. Semester assessments and laboratory activities have also been suspended.
