Protesting students of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) have warned that their movement will become tougher if Professor Dr Sheikh Shariful Alam, vice chancellor of the university, attempts to return to the campus.
They claimed that he was allowed to leave the administrative building solely on the condition that he would not return.
The students also announced that their ongoing campus shutdown and boycott of classes and examinations will continue until their one-point demand for the reinstatement of Professor Dr Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem, former vice chancellor of Cuet, is met.
The protesting students made these declarations in a press release issued on Wednesday.
Exit under specific condition
In the press release, the students explained that Professor Sheikh Shariful Alam, vice chancellor of the university, and several others accompanying him had been confined inside the administrative building of Cuet for nearly 30 hours until Tuesday (13 October) before being given a safe exit.
They noted that this decision was taken on humanitarian grounds to allow the vice chancellor medical treatment and rest after learning of his physical illness.
During the confinement, the students arranged food, water, emergency medicines, and medical health checks for those trapped inside.
They pointed out that although the electricity connection to the administrative building was disconnected, the water supply remained operational throughout.
Prior to the departure of the vice chancellor, the local deputy commissioner and police superintendent were explicitly informed that he was being permitted to exit only on the condition that he would not return to the campus.
According to the students, the deputy commissioner and police superintendent entered the building after hearing this and, upon returning, the same condition was announced three times in front of the media without any opposition from the vice chancellor or his companions.
Conflicting claims over resignation
Mohammad Jahangir Alam Johny, a third-year student of the electrical and electronic engineering department at Cuet, said that the students did not wish to disrespect anyone but wanted justice and accountability established at the university.
He explained that the vice chancellor was allowed to leave safely out of humanity rather than as part of any compromise.
Johny added that the vice chancellor was allowed to go on the condition that he would not return to the campus, and if an attempt is made to return in disregard of that condition, the responsibility cannot be pinned on the students.
The student emphasised that their stance is clear, and the shutdown along with the boycott of classes and examinations will continue until Professor Dr Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem is reinstated.
However, Professor Sheikh Shariful Alam, vice chancellor of Cuet, claimed in a protest letter published on Wednesday that he had not made any statement or declaration regarding resignation or not returning to the campus in the future.
Explaining that he was transferred from the campus to a hospital due to illness, he announced that he would resume his responsibilities at the university once he recovers.
Call for truth, continued protest
In response to the vice chancellor’s claim, the protesting students called for verifying the actual truth of the event by reviewing media video footage recorded at the time, eyewitness accounts, and relevant information.
The students maintained that they do not accept Professor Sheikh Shariful Alam as vice chancellor, warning that any attempt by him to return to the campus could give rise to a new crisis and protest. In this regard, they urged the relevant decision-makers to consider political and administrative accountability.
Reaffirming their one-point demand for the reinstatement of Professor Dr Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem, former vice chancellor of Cuet, the students urged the authorities to prioritise the concerns of students, teachers, officers, and employees, and reach an effective and acceptable decision quickly through discussions.
The protesters concluded that their humanitarian behaviour should not be mistaken for weakness, nor should the opportunity for a safe exit be viewed as the conclusion of their movement, affirming that their peaceful and democratic struggle to realise their demands will continue.
