KUET halts edu activities till Feb 28 amid unrest
Staff Reporter :
The Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) has imposed a ban on all forms of political activities within the campus and all academic activities will remain suspended until February 28.
The decision was made during the university syndicate’s 93rd meeting on Wednesday.
Students found involved in politics will face permanent expulsion and cancellation of their enrollment. Faculty, staff, and employees are also prohibited from participating in any political organisation’s activities.
Additionally, a committee has been formed to investigate the recent incident of repeated clashes and counter-chases between leaders and activists of the Jatiatabadi Chhatradal (JCD) and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (SAD) over demands to ban student politics at KUET.
The four-member probe committee, led by Professor MMA Hashem from the Computer Science and Engineering Department, has been instructed to submit its report within three working days.
Confirming the matter to the media, KUET Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Sheikh Shariful said, “During the syndicate meeting, it was decided that legal action would be taken against any outsiders involved in the incidents. Students found guilty of participation will face temporary suspension.
“Moreover, the university will cover medical expenses for injured students and enhance security measures on campus. To ensure student safety, all academic activities will remain suspended until February 28.”
On Tuesday, clashes erupted over the demand to ban student politics at KUET, leading to multiple rounds of confrontations among different groups.
At least 50 students were injured, most suffering from sharp weapon wounds. The injured were admitted to Khulna Medical College Hospital, the KUET Medical Centre, and nearby private clinics.
Leaders of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal have claimed that the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) has been operating in a manner similar to the banned student outfit Chhatra League in Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET).
Central leaders of the organisation raised these allegations at a press conference held at Khulna Press Club at 1pm on Wednesday (19 February) stating that Kuet’s SAD unit engages in various political activities but when Chhatra Dal attempted to sell membership forms, they faced attacks on Tuesday.