CUET students seek prime minister’s intervention
CUET students hold a protest march against remarks made by the new vice chancellor. Photo: Agamir Somoy
The ‘complete shutdown’ at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) continued as students demanded the reinstatement of former Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem and cancellation of the gazette appointing the newly appointed vice chancellor.
On Saturday, October 3, students brought out a protest march in the afternoon. From the program, they sought the prime minister’s intervention to resolve the issue.
The CUET movement entered its 12th day on Saturday. As usual, all academic and administrative activities at the university remained suspended due to the movement. During Saturday’s march, the protesting students expressed their opposition to remarks made to the media by newly appointed Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Sheikh Shariful Alam.
During the march, students chanted various slogans including, “Your VC, my VC, Sayem Sir, Sayem Sir” and “One point, one demand, we want Sayem Sir as VC.” Banners and placards reading “Honorable Prime Minister’s intervention sought to end the deadlock at CUET,” “CUET Revolts for Sayem Sir” and “PM, Consider Our Appeal” were seen at the march. The procession circled Swadhinata Chattar and ended at the Shaheed Minar.
The protesting students said newly appointed Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Sheikh Shariful Alam claimed in an interview with a media outlet on Friday that four examinations of the 2023 to 2024 academic year were being held up due to the movement.
However, the students claimed that the statement did not correspond with the actual situation on campus. According to them, examinations in almost all departments for that academic year have already been completed and examinations in only one department have yet to begin.
Ahnaph Shahriar Arnab, a student of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, said, “The newly appointed VC is spreading various misinformation against students online. That is why we organized today’s program. Our movement will continue demanding the reinstatement of Professor Sayem as vice chancellor and a quick resolution to the ongoing crisis at CUET. We are seeking the prime minister’s intervention. We want him to take steps to resolve our problems quickly. We want to return to classes.”
It should be noted that CUET students have been observing a ‘complete shutdown’ since September 22. During the movement, they have organized various programs including showing red cards and torch processions. Regular academic activities at the university remain suspended due to the movement. Examinations for different years in six departments are currently suspended.
