The education ministry has officially relieved Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet) Vice-Chancellor Prof Muhammad Masud and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Sheikh Shariful Alam of their duties following student protests.

The decision was confirmed through two separate notifications signed by ASM Kashem, senior assistant secretary of the ministry's Secondary and Higher Education Division.

According to the notifications issued yesterday, the two officials will now return to their respective academic departments.

On Wednesday, the information ministry said the government had initiated steps to relieve the two officials to resolve the ensuing crisis and resume academic activities promptly.

The release said a search committee would soon be formed to appoint new officials.

In the interim, a senior professor would be temporarily assigned to discharge the duties of the vice-chancellor.