UGC Delegation Engages with KUET Protesters Amid Ongoing Turmoil

Tensions at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) remain high as a three-member delegation from the University Grants Commission (UGC) visited the campus today to address the concerns of protesting students.

The delegation, which included UGC members Professor Tanzimuddin Khan, Professor Saidur Rahman, and Ahmed Shibli, Joint Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, arrived at KUET around 10:00 AM. Their visit aimed to facilitate dialogue with students who have been vocal about their demands, particularly the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor.

Initiating the discussion, the delegation reached out to students on hunger strike, urging them to end their protest for the sake of their health and well-being. However, the students remained resolute, insisting they would not cease their hunger strike until their demands are adequately addressed.

Following this, the delegation convened a closed-door meeting with student representatives that extended for nearly two hours. During this private session, students recounted experiences of alleged physical assaults and voiced concerns about administrative neglect. They also addressed what they believe is misinformation being propagated by the Vice-Chancellor through official statements and media outlets.

In response to these grievances, UGC representatives committed to conducting a thorough and impartial review of the circumstances surrounding the protests. “They assured us that a report with their recommendations will be sent to the Ministry, which will make the final decision,” revealed one student after the meeting.

Despite these assurances, a sense of dissatisfaction lingered among many protesters. “We submitted a memorandum to the chief adviser two months ago, yet no visible actions have been taken. Some officials were even unaware of it,” a protester pointed out, highlighting the ongoing frustrations within the student body.

As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the dialogue between the UGC and the KUET students is just a step in addressing deeper issues at play and the urgent need for accountability within the administration. The outcome of this engagement remains to be seen, but the students’ resolve underscores their determination for change.

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