CUET students seek PM’s intervention for ending deadlock over VC’s appointment

The agitating students of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) have sought the prime minister’s intervention to resolve the ongoing deadlock at the university and reinstate its former vice chancellor (VC) Professor Abu Sadaat Mohammad Sayem.

The students made the demand from a human chain formed in front of Chattogram Press Club on Tuesday.

In a written statement, the protesting students said they did not want the university to remain closed. But the deadlock should be resolved through an acceptable solution to the issue that triggered the crisis.

They sought a responsible decision from the government and intervention of the prime minister.

Terming the prime minister as their guardian, they said nearly 5,000 students are studying at the university and 99% of them are in support of their demands.

The students announced that their complete shutdown of the university would continue until an effective decision is made to reinstate Prof Sayem.

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New VC joins amid shutdown at CUET

Earlier, around 3:30pm, students arrived at Chattogram Press Club from the CUET campus. Students already staying in the city joined them.

Fourth-year student Asadullah Al Galib said the government had long fought for democratic rights and expressed hope that it would support the students’ democratic demands in resolving the crisis.

“Neither the students nor teachers of CUET want the newly appointed VC,” he said.

Notably, academic activities at the CUET have remained suspended since 22 September amid the protests. Students have staged various demonstrations including torch processions and red-card showing.

Prof Sayem who took charge as VC on 27 July was replaced by Prof Sheikh Shariful Alam of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology on 21 September.

Students began protesting from that night and later announced a shutdown demanding Prof Sayem’s reinstatement.

Prof Shariful Alam joined as the VC online on 24 September but has yet to arrive on the campus.