Photo: Collected
A group of students from Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (Kuet) left for Dhaka this morning (23 February) to submit a memorandum to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, demanding the removal of Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Masud and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Shariful Islam, along with the fulfilment of their six-point demands. Departing the campus at 8am on two rented buses, the students voiced concerns over their safety, stating that they no longer feel secure on campus.
They said they would return home promptly after submitting the memorandum to the chief adviser in Dhaka. Until their six-point demands are met, they will not return to the campus. One of the students' demands includes a complete ban on student politics in Kuet and an ordinance to be issued incorporating provisions for punishment for anyone involved.
They also demanded punishment for teachers, officers, and employees who enable student politics. They further demanded that the entire campus be brought under CCTV surveillance for security reasons.
During the departure, students were seen holding placards with slogans such as "Where was the administration when blood was shed?", "Why are the attackers still free?", "We demand a safe campus", "We don't want a VC who cannot ensure security", and "Remove Masud, Save Kuet".
Their eyes were covered with red cloth as a form of protest. Earlier, on Friday night (21 February), a section of Kuet students locked the main entrance of the vice-chancellor's residence and vowed to continue their movement, demanding his resignation.
On 19 February, the protesting students locked all academic and administrative buildings, declaring an indefinite suspension of classes and exams. On 18 February, a clash erupted between the Kuet students and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal in the campus area over the demand to ban student politics on campus. At least 30 people were injured during the clash.
Messenger/JRTarek
