The Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) Teachers’ Association has announced a total work abstention, demanding the reinstatement of the university’s recently outgoing vice-chancellor, Professor Dr Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem.
The teachers’ programme was announced amidst an ongoing total shutdown enforced by Cuet students.
The unanimous decision for the indefinite work abstention was taken on Thursday night during an emergency meeting of the organisation, as confirmed by its President, Professor Dr Md Ahsanullah.
According to the decision of the Teachers’ Association, the full work abstention commenced from the night of 24 September and will continue until further notice.
A press release issued under the joint signatures of President Professor Dr Md Ahsanullah and General Secretary Professor Dr Md Abul Hasan stated that the emergency meeting was convened in response to the situation arising from the removal of Professor Dr Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem from the post of Vice-Chancellor and the subsequent appointment of a new VC.
Speaking regarding the decision, Professor Dr Md Ahsanullah confirmed that the association is embarking on a total work abstention to press home the demand for Professor Dr Sayem’s reinstatement.
The Teachers’ Association’s statement also strongly condemned and protested against the circulation of “completely false, baseless, and defamatory information” targeting members of the organisation on various social media platforms.
The Teachers’ Association’s strike announcement came just hours after Professor Dr Sheikh Shariful Alam joined online as the new Vice-Chancellor of Cuet on Thursday.
Professor Alam confirmed that his online joining had been completed and accepted by the Education Secretary, adding that the university administration, district administration, and other relevant authorities had been formally notified.
He stated that he plans to visit the campus soon after holding discussions with all relevant parties beforehand.
University sources noted that Professor Alam joined the VC position on Thursday following a notification issued by the Ministry of Education, after which he submitted his joining letter to the Education Secretary.
Prior to this appointment, he served as a professor in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET).
Meanwhile, Cuet students observed a total shutdown for the third consecutive day, demanding the reinstatement of Professor Dr Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem.
At around 11:30am on Thursday, demonstrating students formed a human chain in front of the university’s Central Shaheed Minar premises.
A mass signature campaign was also conducted alongside the human chain, and the protesting students announced a torch procession for Thursday evening as part of their ongoing movement.
