Staff Reporter :
Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) has withdrawn the expulsion orders of 37 students, as announced during its 102nd emergency syndicate meeting on Wednesday (23 April).
The decision follows a review of an investigation report submitted on 15 April. KUET Registrar Md. Anisur Rahman Bhuiyan confirmed that the matter has now been referred to the Student Disciplinary Committee for further consideration.
Despite the development, student protests continue to intensify. A symbolic coffin procession demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohammad Masud was held on campus the same day.
The protest has now spilled beyond KUET’s gates, with students from Jahangirnagar University launching a hunger strike in solidarity. At Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection, demonstrators also blocked traffic Tuesday night with the same demand.
The students’ single-point demand for the VC’s resignation emerged after an initial six-point movement began in February following a violent clash between students and outsiders.
The university administration responded by suspending 37 students and closing down the campus and residence halls. An outsider later filed a case naming 22 students.
On 13 April, KUET students resumed demonstrations, this time demanding the reopening of the halls. When their calls went unanswered, 32 students began a hunger strike on Monday (21 April). So far, five have been hospitalised, while two others have withdrawn due to health issues. The fasting continues amid sweltering summer heat.
Education Adviser Dr. CR Abrar visited KUET on Wednesday morning in an effort to persuade students to end the strike. Speaking to the strikers for half an hour, he emphasised the need for due legal process and informed them that a government committee was already investigating the matter. However, the students refused to budge.
“We’ve been protesting for two months. Unless the VC resigns, we won’t stop-even if it kills us,” said one student.
When KUET Syndicate members approached the adviser to discuss the situation, he declined, stating: “I’m here only to speak with the students and convince them to break their fast.”
Meanwhile, a three-member University Grants Commission (UGC) probe team has begun its own investigation into the unrest. The team started meeting with students on Wednesday morning.
As the standoff continues, pressure is mounting on the administration to resolve the crisis before further escalation.
