KUET teachers now announce boycott of administrative duties

After boycotting classes for 14 consecutive days, the teachers' association of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) has now decided to abstain from administrative duties. The announcement came on Sunday (May 18) following an emergency general meeting.

The teachers’ association said they will not take part in any administrative responsibilities from Sunday as no punishment has been given to the students who allegedly harassed the teachers. They also warned that if action is not taken against the accused students by 12.00pm on Monday, they will stage a sit-in in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s office.

Professor Dr. Md Faruk Hossain, General Secretary of the Teachers’ Association, said, “The university administration has suspended the disciplinary process against the accused, violating the university rules. This has created a crisis in KUET’s academic activities.”

Meanwhile, students have written an open letter urging the administration to start academic activities immediately, form a neutral investigation committee, and announce a roadmap to meet their five-point demand. They also demanded justice for the February 18 attack.

In the letter, the students expressed their concern over the ongoing class suspension. They said the students of the 19th batch, in particular, are suffering from mental stress, uncertainty about the future, and frustration.

Apologizing to the teachers, the students wrote, “We have already apologized several times in the past. Once again, with sincere regret and folded hands, we ask for your forgiveness. If any of our words, actions, or positions have caused you even the slightest discomfort, we are sorry, ashamed, and deeply apologetic.”

Since the February 18 attack by outsiders, which injured over 150 KUET students, the university has been in a state of unrest. Although academic activities resumed on May 4, teachers began boycotting classes in protest of the harassment of their colleagues.