KUET Students Launch Hunger Strike, Demand VC’s Resignation Over Campus Violence Fallout
A group of students at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) began an indefinite hunger strike this afternoon, calling for the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Muhammad Masud. The protest follows weeks of unrest after a violent clash on campus in February.
The demonstration kicked off at 4:00pm in front of the university’s Student Welfare Centre. Students arrived with bedding, signaling their commitment to continue the strike until their demand is met. This move comes a day after a 24-hour ultimatum issued by the students for the VC’s resignation expired at 3:00pm.
Around 3:30pm, the students gathered near Dr MA Rashid Hall and marched to the protest site. Senior officials, including the director of student welfare, syndicate members, faculty leaders, and department heads, were present and attempted to mediate — but the students stood firm.
“We won’t end the hunger strike unless the VC steps down,” one of the demonstrators declared.
Protesting students claim the administration failed to protect them during a February 18 attack, allegedly carried out by Chhatra Dal members and outsiders. They further accused the university of punishing victims rather than supporting them — citing legal action against 22 students and the suspension of 37 others.
Despite submitting their concerns to the interim government, the students say no meaningful action has followed.
“Our only demand now is the VC’s resignation, because we no longer feel safe,” said another student. “How can we trust an administration that uses suspension as a weapon to silence students?”
The students also rejected the investigation committee’s report on the February incident, which they argue misrepresented the timeline and severity of the attack. They questioned how CCTV footage, meant to be confidential, ended up circulating on social media.
“The footage should have remained with the investigation team and syndicate. How did it end up online? Was it leaked by the administration itself?” they asked, demanding accountability.
Earlier in the day, KUET’s Director of Student Welfare, Prof. Abdullah Elias Akhter, held a press conference, claiming that the administration had begun reviewing the disciplinary actions and was open to discussions on student demands.
However, protesters dismissed the claim. “The new director just called us in. It wasn’t an actual discussion — just a courtesy meeting,” one student said.
The ongoing unrest stems from the February 18 violence, where two student groups clashed during a protest against campus politics. Students accused Chhatra Dal and outsiders of orchestrating the attack, while Chhatra Dal alleged that members of Students Against Discrimination and Islami Chhatra Shibir targeted them.
As tensions continue, the hunger strike marks a turning point in KUET’s campus movement, with students holding their ground for change at the top.