Academic activities at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) have gradually begun returning to normal following a 36-day deadlock. However, despite the resumption of classes and examinations for other batches, uncertainty continues to loom over the commencement of third-year (Level-3) classes for students of 2023–24 academic session.
Although most departments are preparing to start classes on 15 November, final decisions have yet to be reached in several departments.
According to university sources, final examinations for second year (Level-2, Term-2) of 2023–24 session concluded on 21 September for all departments except Water Resources Engineering.
On the afternoon of the same day, former vice-chancellor Professor Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem was removed from his post, prompting students to launch demonstrations demanding his reinstatement.
The academic activities of the university came to a complete standstill after students declared an all-out shutdown programme, boycotting both classes and examinations.
Following 36 days of closure, academic activities for various academic years restarted in phases from 28 October.
Under the pre-scheduled academic calendar, Level-3 classes for 2023–24 session were originally slated to begin on 14 October, but students were unable to return to class as the scheduled date passed.
Departmental status and class schedules
Interviews with various department heads revealed the current state of preparations across the university:
Computer Science and Engineering (CSE): Department Head Professor Pranab Kumar Dhar said students submitted applications requesting an early start to classes. Following discussions with other department heads, a decision was taken to start classes on 15 November.
Mechanical Engineering: Head of the department Professor Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Bhuiyan said following student applications, the decision to resume classes was made after consulting with the dean. Although classes were initially planned for 10 November, the date was adjusted to 15 November to accommodate students travelling from distant regions, including North Bengal, and to ensure coordination with other departments.
Civil Engineering: Professor Md Riaz Akhtar Mallik, head of the Civil Engineering Department, confirmed that classes will commence on the same date, 15 November.
Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering (ETE): Department Head Professor Md Jahedul Islam said students have submitted applications regarding class commencement. A departmental meeting will be convened, and a final decision will be announced following discussions at the meeting.
Biomedical Engineering: Head of the department Professor Nipu Kumar Das explained that classes cannot be conducted without completing regular registration procedures. As registration involves matters linked to the registrar and the vice-chancellor, a decision will be taken following discussions with the Deans.
Mechatronics and Industrial Engineering: Department Head Professor Prosenjit Das noted that student applications were forwarded to the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office subsequently informed that classes could commence from Sunday based on the students’ request.
Urban and Regional Planning (URP): Head of the department Professor Fowzia Gulshana Rashid Lopa said 2023–24 session students have applied to resume classes. A departmental meeting is scheduled for 11 November, and if everything proceeds as planned, classes may begin on 15 November.
Architecture: Department Head Professor Sajal Chowdhury said no specific decision has been taken yet regarding the start of classes. Level-2, Term-2 results are expected to be published next week, and approval from the Vice-Chancellor is required to release the Level-3 academic calendar, for which no directive has been received yet. He added that he will consult the dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Planning regarding further decisions.
Water Resources Engineering: The Level-2, Term-2 final examinations for 2023–24 session students in this department are scheduled to begin on 17 November, with the examination routine already published.
Other departments: Repeated attempts to contact Professor Md Mamunur Rashid, head of the Materials and Metallurgical Engineering Department, yielded no response. Meanwhile, Professor Tofael Ahmed, head of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department, indicated over the phone that he would discuss the matter in person.
While most departments are making preparations to start classes on 15 November, final decisions in several departments remain stalled due to administrative complications involving course registration, result publication, and official approvals.
As a result, the wait for 2023–24 session students to return to regular academic life is not yet fully over.
