Students at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) have written an open letter to the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman demanding that Professor Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem be reinstated as vice-chancellor.
The move comes as protests over a sudden change in university leadership have brought all classes, examinations, and laboratory work to a complete standstill for three consecutive days.
In their open letter submitted on Thursday, students explained that the ongoing demonstrations have disrupted their normal academic life.
They highlighted that the closure of academic activities is delaying the university’s academic calendar and creating uncertainty regarding internships, scholarships, higher education, and career preparations.
According to the letter, Professor Sayem assumed office as CUET vice-chancellor on 27 July. However, just 56 days into his tenure, an official gazette notification issued on 21 September replaced him and appointed Professor Sheikh Shariful Alam as the new vice-chancellor.
The notification provided no official explanation or reason for removing Professor Sayem.
While emphasizing that they have no objection to the personal background or qualifications of the newly appointed vice-chancellor, students expressed a desire to maintain the momentum of educational, research, and higher education initiatives launched under Professor Sayem, who had earned their trust during his brief period in office.
Expressing their eagerness to return to academic life, the students wrote in the letter, “Even standing in the midst of protest, we miss our classrooms every day. We miss our lab work, and we miss even the normal pressure of preparing for examinations. Because first and foremost, we are students.”
Adding that they do not wish to prolong the demonstrations, the students conveyed their desire to resume classes, lab sessions, and exams as soon as a resolution is reached.
To restore normalcy, they reiterated their demands for the reinstatement of Professor Sayem to the vice-chancellor’s post and an immediate settlement of the prevailing crisis.
