37 Kuet students suspended; protesters continue sit-in in front of administrative building

Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet) has suspended 37 students, said Shahiduzzaman Sheikh, the acting public relations officer of the university's Public Relations, Information, and Publications Department.

"An investigative committee was formed during the 98th emergency syndicate meeting on 19 February following the unfortunate incidents on 18 and 19 February at Kuet. The committee's sealed report was presented to the syndicate, which accepted it," he said yesterday (14 April). 

Meanwhile, some Kuet students spent another night in front of the administrative building, demanding the reopening of their residential halls. They have been staging a sit-in since 3pm on Sunday (13 April).

The protesting students said they slept on mats spread across the road in front of the administrative building last night, enduring mosquito bites. 

Despite the discomfort, they vowed to continue their sit-in until their demands are met. A new protest programme is expected to be announced around 12pm today (15 April).

The students also raised concerns that the Kuet authorities have yet to disclose the names and identities of the 37 students suspended following the syndicate meeting. The students claim they have not been informed of the specific charges leading to the expulsions either.

The Kuet authorities have also refused to reveal the names, departments, or details of the suspended students to the media.

Shahiduzzaman said 37 students allegedly involved in the incidents were suspended based on the findings. "Additionally, the syndicate instructed the university's student disciplinary committee to take necessary actions as per the investigation report."

He said all academic activities at Kuet will resume on 4 May, and all residential halls will reopen for students on 2 May.

Meanwhile, a case was filed against 22 Kuet students last Thursday (10 April) in the Metropolitan Magistrate's court by Hochen Ali, a resident of Maheshwarpasha Uttar Banikpara area in Khulna. 

The court accepted the complaint and directed Khanjahan Ali Police Station to investigate and submit a report.

The plaintiff alleged that while returning home via Kuet Road on 18 February, the accused assaulted him with rods and sticks near the Pocket Gate area, attempting to kill him, and snatched his gold chain.

However, students claim that the Kuet administration instigated an outsider to file the case against them. They argue that without the university's assistance, it would have been impossible for an outsider to know the names and identities of the 22 students.

On 18 February, clashes erupted at Kuet over demands to ban student politics, leaving over a hundred injured. The next day, students locked all academic and administrative buildings. During an emergency syndicate meeting that afternoon, Kuet authorities decided to halt all political activities on campus and formed a committee to investigate the clashes. 

That night, the administration filed a case against 400-500 unnamed individuals at Khanjahan Ali Police Station.

On 20 February, students held a protest rally on campus, displaying red cards to all political student organisations and demanding the vice-chancellor's resignation. 

On 23 February, students travelled from Khulna to Dhaka to submit a memorandum to the Chief Adviser, demanding the trial of those involved in the attacks, the VC's resignation, and six other points.

On 25 February, Kuet's highest policymaking body, the syndicate, decided to close all residential halls indefinitely during its 99th emergency meeting. 

Students were ordered to vacate the halls by 10am the next day, prompting further protests on campus.