Students at Khulna University (KU) have unlocked the administrative and academic buildings following discussions with the university administration, though they have declared a continued boycott of classes and examinations until their three-point demand is fully implemented.
Consequently, while administrative activities are set to return to normal from Sunday, academic functions remain suspended for the time being.
The decision to remove the locks around 10pm on Saturday followed a series of meetings where teachers and the administration expressed solidarity with the students’ demands.
A press release issued by the university administration later stated that students agreed to the move to facilitate a smooth investigation and necessary official proceedings.
The stalemate originated on Thursday when students locked the university’s main gate and various buildings after failing to see satisfactory progress regarding their demands.
These demands were sparked by several incidents, most notably on Wednesday night when a canteen worker at Bijoy ’24 Hall, identified as Imam Hassan, was caught secretly filming female students through the ventilators of washrooms and bathrooms. He and his wife were subsequently arrested and handed over to the police.
The protests also centre on long-standing grievances against two faculty members. Professor Rezaul Islam of Agrotechnology Discipline was accused on 18 June of sending indecent messages and proposals to a student via Messenger.
Professor Rubel Ansar of Bengali Discipline has faced allegations of sexually harassing two female students since August last year. Although the university had previously taken some administrative actions against the two teachers, students are now insisting on their permanent expulsion.
The students’ primary demands include ensuring the maximum punishment for canteen worker Imam, holding the provost body of the concerned hall accountable for negligence, and the permanent expulsion of Professor Rubel and Professor Rezaul.
Additionally, the students are calling for the cancellation of the registration of “Spondon-24” club.
On Saturday afternoon, an emergency meeting was held under the chairmanship of the vice-chancellor, attended by pro-vice-chancellor, treasurer, deans of various schools, discipline heads, director of Student Affairs, and provosts.
During the meeting, the administration expressed solidarity with the demand for the trial of those accused of sexual offences.
Following this, Professor Md Ashraful Alam, dean of Science, Engineering and Technology School, and Professor Md Nabiul Islam Khan, head of Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, held detailed discussions with student representatives from the ’22 batch.
In a statement issued via “Two Two” Facebook page, run by fourth-year students, the protesters clarified that while they have allowed administrative work to resume, the academic boycott remains in effect until their demands are met.
They have urged the administration to arrange for a new schedule of postponed exams once the stalemate is resolved and requested that no direct or indirect mental pressure be applied to force students back to classes prematurely.
The university administration has urged students to return to their classes promptly, promising that the steps already initiated to address their demands will be completed within a specified timeframe.
