Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) Vice-Chancellor Professor Sheikh Shariful Alam remained confined to his office on Monday amid continuing student unrest, as he denied allegations that he had sought shelter from Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leaders to enter the campus.
The Cuet unit of Chhatra Dal also rejected claims that its leaders and activists had escorted the new VC, alleging that fabricated propaganda was being spread to damage the organisation’s reputation.
Speaking to TIMES over the phone around 5pm, the VC said he had come to the campus primarily to reorganise academic activities and revise the academic calendar. He remained confined to his office until at least 5:30pm.
Despite the tense situation, Professor Shariful Alam came down to the ground floor to speak with students and invited representatives from different batches to discussions.
He expressed hope that the students would gradually calm down and engage in dialogue to resolve the ongoing crisis.
The students have been pursuing their demands for the past 21 days. The VC said the issues needed to be addressed through institutional processes, warning that the prolonged movement was disrupting academic activities.
He said many students were returning home without attending classes or examinations. Students from the Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) and Biomedical Engineering departments were among those who had already left the campus.
“My main objective in coming to the campus was to reorganise academic activities and the academic calendar,” he said, adding that he wanted to resume regular academic activities with the participation of all teachers, preferably after the Puja holidays.
Regarding a joint statement by Cuet Teachers’ Association announcing non-cooperation with him, the VC said many teachers were willing to work but might be reluctant to express their position because of embarrassment or hesitation.
He said the situation required an assessment of whether the right decisions were being taken to restore normal academic activities.
Asked about attacks on three buses amid the unrest, Professor Shariful Alam said he learned about the incident from students after coming downstairs. He assured that legal action would be taken once the facts were verified.
The VC categorically rejected allegations that he had sought assistance or shelter from Chhatra Dal to enter the campus, describing the claims as completely false and baseless.
He said a friend and an alumnus had accompanied him in his car, adding that no Chhatra Dal leaders or activists were in the vehicle or accompanying him when he entered the campus.
Chhatra Dal denies escorting VC
Wasif Rashed, president of Cuet unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, also rejected allegations that the organisation had provided a shield or escort for the new VC during his entry into the campus.
Speaking to TIMES, he described the allegations as fabricated and politically motivated, claiming that a particular faction was deliberately spreading misinformation to undermine Chhatra Dal’s reputation.
According to Wasif, there was no obstruction at the campus gate when the VC arrived, and he entered under normal circumstances. Chhatra Dal members went to meet him later after learning of his arrival, intending to exchange greetings and present their demands.
He alleged, however, that troublemakers and anti-Chhatra Dal elements subsequently entered the area, triggering panic by detonating crude bombs and cutting off the electricity supply.
Rejecting allegations of Chhatra Dal’s involvement in attacks and vandalism, Wasif claimed that attempts were being made to implicate the organisation in the incidents.
He alleged that the reported vandalism of buses was part of a staged incident orchestrated by rival groups, but provided no independent evidence to substantiate the claim.
He recalled that Chhatra Dal had actively participated alongside general students during the July movement last year and said he had sustained injuries during that period.
He argued that the organisation was now being unfairly targeted despite its earlier role in student protests.
Wasif further claimed that the VC had intended to complete his official duties before meeting students and other stakeholders.
According to him, the VC had informed law enforcement agencies that he would hold discussions after completing his administrative work.
He alleged that outsiders and agitators entered the campus before the proposed discussions could take place, escalating tensions.
The Chhatra Dal president said his organisation wanted a peaceful and amicable resolution to the crisis and was working alongside general students to restore a normal campus environment.
He called for constructive dialogue with the VC to address the students’ demands.
Asked about references to followers of BNP leader and State Minister for Land Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, Wasif described him as a senior party leader and said the organisation respected its senior leaders.
He categorically denied any involvement by Mir Helal in the ongoing movement.
