The Teachers' Association at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) has firmly opposed the removal of Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Mashud, as it will not accept any such decision made “under pressure.”

At a press conference held Wednesday afternoon (April 23) at the university’s administrative building, the association's leadership expressed disappointment over recent developments and called for inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders.

"The vice-chancellor’s removal must not be dictated by pressure from one group," said Professor Dr Md Sahidul Islam, president of the KUET Teachers’ Association. 

He said, "We are deeply disheartened that the education ministry's adviser met only with students but did not consult faculty members."

Professor Dr Ashraful Gani Bhuiyan added that a distorted image of the university is being portrayed. "A few hundred students protested, and the whole university of over 5,000 students is said to be in turmoil. This is misleading. Some teachers have been threatened and even physically assaulted. We demand justice."

Tensions have been high on the KUET campus following clashes in February between students and members of Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal over demands to ban student politics. The violence injured more than 50 and prompted a syndicate decision on February 25 to shut down academic activities and student halls indefinitely.

Defying the closure, students re-entered the campus on April 13. On April 14, the syndicate expelled 37 students involved in the February unrest and announced plans to reopen halls on May 2 and classes on May 4.

Rejecting that decision, students launched a hunger strike on April 21, demanding the resignation of the vice-chancellor. The protest has since escalated, with several students reportedly falling ill.

BDST: 1552 HRS, APR 23, 2025
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