A six-member University Grants Commission (UGC) consultative committee met with teachers, students, officers, and employees at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) on Wednesday to help resolve the institution’s ongoing impasse.
The committee conducted discussions at the university’s central auditorium, where members affirmed that they would submit recommendations to the government to improve the situation based on these talks.
The day’s proceedings began around 10:30am with a session for teachers, followed by a meeting with students around 12pm. The committee was also scheduled to hold discussions with the university’s officers and employees in the afternoon.
The consultative committee is headed by UGC Member Professor Abdullah-Al-Mamun, with UGC Additional Director Md Mohibul Ahsan serving as member-secretary.
The other members are the vice-chancellors of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), Chittagong University (CU), and Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU), alongside Md Mahbubul Haque Patwary, additional secretary of University Wing under Secondary and Higher Education Division.
During their session, faculty members outlined their position and the context of their ongoing movement.
Professor Rashidul Hasan, dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Planning, informed journalists that teachers submitted documents alongside explaining their stance verbally.
He added that the committee listened to their statements and expressed hope that the points raised would be conveyed to high levels of the government, Education Ministry, and relevant offices to reach a quick and acceptable decision.
Students also reiterated their demand for the reinstatement of former vice-chancellor Professor Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem.
Golam Murshed Ratul, a student from Mechanical Engineering department, said students have remained firm on this demand from the outset.
He noted that teachers, officers, and employees are protesting for the same cause, a position conveyed directly to the committee during the meeting.
Following the student session, six to seven leaders and activists of Chhatra Dal met separately with the consultative committee.
The delegation included Chhatra Dal President Wasif Rashed and Organisational Secretary Biplob Hossain.
Speaking to journalists afterwards, Rashed said they consistently work for students’ rights and noted that academic activities and classes remain suspended.
Clarifying that they did not appear as adversaries, he said appointing a vice-chancellor is an overall state process.
He remarked that while other groups may hold differing views, Chhatra Dal has its own perspective, alleging that others were not abiding by state decisions, were causing obstructions, and had removed individuals who came to meet the vice-chancellor from various academic groups.
Rashed emphasised that as the committee was formed to resolve stalemate, they arrived to share their opinions, adding that they engage in politics for the welfare of students.
Following the discussions, UGC Member Mamun told reporters that the panel was constituted to review the situation at Cuet and find a path towards a solution.
He mentioned that on the first day, they spoke with teachers and students, and would also listen to the views of officers and employees.
Rashed assured that based on discussions with all stakeholders, the committee will endeavour to provide recommendations to improve the current situation at the university.
