Clashes at DUET over new VC appointment, several injured

Repeated clashes have broken out between two groups at Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) over the appointment of a new vice-chancellor. Several people were injured by brickbats at the university's main gate on Sunday morning, May 17.

On Thursday, May 14, Professor Dr Mohammad Iqbal of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology was appointed as the VC of DUET. Students began protesting from the night the notification was issued.

Protesting students said that as DUET is a specialised engineering university, its education system and administrative realities are unique. Therefore, a VC should be appointed from among the senior internal faculty members rather than bringing in an outsider. University teacher leaders have also made the same demand.

Students continued their protests from morning on Sunday, the fourth day. When news spread that the newly appointed VC was arriving, students locked the main gate. At noon, some outsiders attempted to enter the campus in support of the newly appointed VC, leading to clashes with students. The situation remained tense in the university area until 1:30 pm.

Gazipur Sadar Police Station OC Mohammad Aminul Islam said the tension that had been building for days turned into clashes today. Police are working to control the law and order situation.