The process of removing the Vice-Chancellor (VC) and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Pro-VC) of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) has begun amid ongoing student protests.

The Ministry of Education confirmed the decision in a statement released at 12:50am on Wednesday (April 23), citing the need to resolve the ongoing crisis and resume academic activities.

Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Md Mamun Or Rashid confirmed the matter to Banglanews over the phone, quoting the education ministry.

According to press release a search committee will soon be formed to appoint new officials to the two positions. In the meantime, a senior professor will be appointed as acting VC to continue the university’s operations smoothly.

Tensions at KUET escalated following a violent clash on February 18 between students and activists of the BNP’s student and youth wings over the demand to ban student politics. Over 50 people were injured in the incident.

Following the clash, KUET authorities shut down academic activities and student dormitories indefinitely through a syndicate meeting on February 25.

Defying the shutdown order, students returned to campus on April 13. Later, in the 101st emergency syndicate meeting on April 14, the university temporarily expelled 37 students in connection with the February 18 and 19 violence.

On April 22, 29 students launched a hunger strike demanding the immediate removal of VC Prof Dr Muhammad Masud. The Education Adviser visited the campus to end the strike but failed. Students from Dhaka University and other institutions also issued ultimatums demanding the VC's resignation.

BDST: 2148 HRS, April 24, 2025
MSK