The Cuet Teachers’ Association on Sunday disclosed details regarding a meeting held with high-level government authorities concerning the demand to reinstate vice-chancellor Professor Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem, as student protests at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) reached their 13th day.
Speaking at a press briefing, Assistant Professor Samiun Basir said representatives from the university’s teachers, officers, and employees’ associations participated in a discussion with government authorities on Saturday.
During the discussion, representatives formally presented the demand for the reinstatement of Professor Sayem to the post of vice-chancellor, along with relevant arguments and ground realities supporting the position.
Basir added that the government authorities listened with patience, sincerity, and adequate time, giving serious weight to the representatives’ statements.
He expressed hope that the authorities would properly consider the presented issues and take a positive decision to restore normal academic activities and stability at Cuet.
Meanwhile, students have been observing an “all-out shutdown” programme at Cuet since 22 September to demand the vice-chancellor’s reinstatement.
As a result of the ongoing agitation, regular classes, examinations, laboratory work, and overall academic operations remain completely suspended.
Over the 13 days of movement, protesting students have carried out various programmes, including processions, human chains, mass signature campaigns, red-card demonstrations, torch rallies, graffiti artwork, and sports activities.
Even on the latest holiday, students brought out a protest procession reiterating their demand. Teachers, officers, and employees have also expressed solidarity with the students’ demand and participated alongside them in various programmes.
Following continuous movement, news of government talks has prompted teachers, students, and other university stakeholders to await the decision of the relevant authorities to resolve the ongoing crisis at Cuet.
