A total of 32 KUET students have gone on a hunger strike demanding the VC’s resignation
Published : 22 Apr 2025, 09:42 PM
A group of Dhaka University (DU) students have vowed to launch a Shahbagh blockade programme if Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Mashud does not resign by the end of the day.
They announced the programme at the foot of the Raju Sculpture of DU at 5pm on Tuesday in solidarity with KUET students.
Earlier, the students took out a procession from the VC Chattar in solidarity with KUET students which ended at the foot of the Raju Sculpture.
At the protest rally, Mosaddek, a student of DU’s Bangla department, said: “The KUET incident is not an isolated one. An attempt is being made to factionalise KUET.”
Mosaddek Ibne Ali Mohammad, another student of the Bangla department, said: “Just as the Awami League took control of every campus in Bangladesh, the same wave of tyranny can sweep us away too.
“KUET is just a step. If these people succeed, they will get a line of occupation across the country.”
On Feb 18, over 50 students were injured in bloody clashes between Chhatra Dal and supporters of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement on the KUET campus over a demand to stop student politics.
A case has been filed against the students in this incident.
Almost two months later, 37 students were temporarily expelled at the university’s syndicate meeting on Apr 14.
KUET students began a hunger strike on Apr 21 demanding the resignation of the VC.
Farhan Aqib, a student of KUET’s 15th batch, demanded the resignation of the KUET VC and said: “If we all stand together on the streets, a VC like this and a useless administration will be washed away. This VC must be expelled immediately.
“We have held a symbolic blockade for five minutes in Shahbagh today, if our demands are not met, we will move on to a tougher programme.”
The Gonotantrik Chhatra Sangsad has observed a symbolic hunger strike in solidarity with the KUET students.