Kuet teachers demand VC’s resignation

Teachers of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet) yesterday demanded the immediate resignation of interim Vice-Chancellor Prof Hazrat Ali, expressing no confidence in him.

They accused Prof Ali of disregarding Kuet's rules and regulations, ignoring the justified demands of students and teachers, and failing to fulfil his responsibilities as the head of the institution.

The teachers continued their sit-in protest yesterday for the third consecutive day. They also announced a human chain on campus today at 11:30am.

Prof Md Faruque Hossain, general secretary of the association, said, "On May 4, during a general meeting, we gave the vice-chancellor an ultimatum of seven working days to ensure the university operates in accordance with its rules and regulations. Concerning the unexpected incident in February, we urged him to complete the necessary procedures -- such as initiating an investigations, and holding disciplinary committee meetings -- to help restore a healthy academic environment and facilitate the prompt return of students and teachers to classes."

"However, even after the deadline had passed, the VC's unilateral decisions continued to hinder the normal functioning of the university," he added.

"At such a critical time, the VC claims to be away for official duties... The person he delegated responsibilities to has also expressed inability to take over and submitted a written statement to that effect. As of now, we are without a guardian. Such negligence from the university's top authority is unacceptable," Prof Faruque also said.