CUET VC Shariful now confined after coming to campus thinking situation was okay
CUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Sheikh Shariful Alam has been confined to his office. Photo: Agamir Somoy
Twenty-one days after his appointment, newly appointed Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Sheikh Shariful Alam has explained why he appeared in person at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET). He said he came to campus to begin performing his duties because he thought the situation was favorable. His goal now is to make CUET operational as quickly as possible.
Speaking to journalists at his office on Monday afternoon, he discussed the university's current situation, the students' movement, and future courses of action.
On September 21, Professor Sheikh Shariful Alam of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) was appointed Vice-Chancellor of CUET. After the appointment, although he came to Chittagong, he could not enter the campus due to the movement by teachers, students, and officials and employees. After joining online, he had been performing his duties from the Chittagong Circuit House until now.
This morning, while the protesters were asleep, the Vice-Chancellor entered the campus with several former and current leaders of Chhatra Dal. At that time, he broke the lock placed by the protesters on the Vice-Chancellor's building and went to his office. Upon receiving the news, students came and again locked the gate of the building and disconnected the power supply. As a result, the Vice-Chancellor became trapped in his office.
Speaking to journalists, the Vice-Chancellor said, "Ordinary students want to return to classes as soon as possible. Especially, the students of the 24th, 25th, and 23rd batches are eager to join their classes. Students want to return to class, and we teachers also want to teach. We will prepare an academic recovery plan to make up for the 14-15 working days we have lost in the past three weeks. If necessary, this loss will be compensated by reducing the semester's term break or publishing results as quickly as possible."
He confirmed that a meeting with deans, department heads, and office heads will be held as soon as possible to announce the schedule for starting classes.
Regarding the ultimatum given by the protesting students to leave the campus by 12 noon, the Vice-Chancellor said, "I have heard that they have given such an ultimatum. I want to talk to them. At the end of the day, they are students of this institution and my juniors. I myself was also a student of this campus. I do have emotions for them."
He further said, "The best way to resolve any problem or crisis of trust is through discussion. I am taking the initiative to sit with the students through the Student Welfare Office. I will listen to all their logical demands and arrange to fulfill them through the proper authorities. If they can place their trust in me, then we can move the campus forward beautifully."
Explaining why it took 21 days to appear on campus in person, Sheikh Shariful Alam said that after the sudden appointment, it took this time to understand the situation and consult with various high-level government offices. Since the situation now seems favorable, he has come to campus to begin performing his duties.
Shariful also sought the cooperation of former Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem, who was "removed" after 56 days. He said, "Dr. Sayem is a good teacher, researcher, and skilled person. I seek his cooperation for the sake of the institution. I called him in the morning. But I could not reach him by phone. Later I sent a message on WhatsApp. We are not each other's opponents. We will all work together for the institution."
Vice-Chancellor Sheikh Shariful Alam also called upon all teachers, officials, and employees of the university to perform their respective duties with the highest professionalism.
