The tripartite discussion among the new vice-chancellor, all teachers, and students’ representatives at the Khulna University of Engineering and Technology on Sunday failed to make any decision on the resumption of academic activities at the educational institution.
The vice-chancellor, Professor Md Maksud Helali, told ¶¶Òõ¾«Æ· Sunday evening that it would take more time to make a decision about the time of resuming classes.
Professor Maksud, a freedom fighter and a retired teacher of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, took charge as the ninth KUET vice-chancellor on July 25.
Some of the teachers of the university had earlier said that a notice was likely to be published on Sunday to resume academic activities from Tuesday if Sunday’s tripartite discussion would become fruitful.
Academic activities at the university have remained stalled for over five months as its teachers have continued their boycott since February, protesting at alleged assaults on them.
Amid the impasse, a section of teachers, students and guardians on July 23 held a human chain, demanding immediate appointment of a vice-chancellor to resolve the ongoing crisis and resume academic activities.
The stalemate in the university began on February 19 following the February 18 violent clash between Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Students Against Discrimination over banning on-campus student politics, leading to the closure of the institution on February 25 for an indefinite period.
KUET authorities on April 14 suspended 37 students for their alleged involvement in February 18 clashes, leading to the start of yet another bout of protests from April 15 by students who demanded the removal of the then vice-chancellor and withdrawal of the expulsion order.
Amid the students’ protests, the government published notices on April 25 removing the then KUET vice-chancellor Professor Mohammad Mashud and pro-vice-chancellor Professor Sheikh Shariful Alam from their posts.
The government, on May 4, issued a gazette notification appointing Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology professor Md Hazrat Ali as the KUET acting vice-chancellor.
The classes at the university were also scheduled to resume on May 4, but the teachers refused to conduct classes and administrative work, demanding punishment for all those involved in assaulting them.
Professor Hazrat Ali resigned on May 21, 17 days after his appointment as the vice-chancellor amid the teachers’ protests.
