Newly appointed Vice-Chancellor Sheikh Shariful Alam has taken initiatives to resume classes as soon as possible at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) through discussions with students and to formulate an “academic recovery plan” to make up for classes missed in recent weeks.
Twenty-one days after his appointment, he entered the campus on Monday morning and began administrative activities. Immediately after taking charge, the new VC contacted the deans of faculties, heads of departments, university officials and relevant administrative offices.
Identifying the swift restoration of academic activities as his top priority, he expressed his determination to overcome the crisis through the joint efforts of teachers and students.
Speaking to journalists at the VC’s office, Shariful said students had missed around 14 to 15 days of classes over the past three weeks and that a specific plan would be prepared to make up for the lost time.
Initial discussions have included reducing semester or term breaks and expediting the publication of examination results to advance academic activities. A revised schedule for resuming classes will be announced to students soon after discussions with department heads and relevant offices.
After arriving on campus at around 9am, the VC also took steps to contact the director of student welfare and officials from various administrative offices.
Emphasis on Discussions with Students
Regarding the students’ movement and their demands, VC Shariful said he was also a former Cuet student and considered the protesting students like younger brothers. He added that he wanted to resolve the problems through open discussions with them.
According to the vice-chancellor, a lack of trust is one of the main reasons behind the current situation. He said there was no alternative to dialogue and mutual understanding to overcome this crisis.
Students have the right to raise their demands, while the administration has a responsibility to listen to them attentively.
The new VC said he will soon meet the protesters for discussions, accompanied by teachers and the relevant team from the student welfare office.
He will take steps to resolve students’ reasonable demands that fall within his authority. Issues beyond his jurisdiction would be brought to the attention of the higher authorities.
The VC also said that, over the past seven days, general students from the 24th and 25th batches had contacted him to express their concerns about the resumption of classes.
Similarly, students from the 23rd batch had submitted written requests through their class representatives expressing their willingness to return to classes.
He said he wanted to use this interest among students to restore a normal academic environment as quickly as possible.
Call for Professionalism and Mutual Cooperation
New VC Shariful emphasised the importance of responsible and professional conduct by teachers, students, officers and employees to restore momentum to the university’s administrative and academic activities. He also urged everyone to work together with a positive attitude, prioritising the institution’s interests.
In this regard, the VC praised Prof Sayem, head of the Department of Petroleum and Mining Engineering, for his competence and research.
Mentioning his cordial relationship with Sayem, he said, “I also called and messaged him this morning, urging him to work collectively in the interests of the university.”
