CU Charukola yet to relocate to main campus 3 months after decision

Despite promises from the Chittagong University (CU) administration to relocate the Institute of Fine Arts (Charukola) to the main campus by March 31, three months and 18 days have passed with little to no progress.

The CU administration confirmed that all decisions made by the fine arts institute's governing board had been approved by the Academic Council.

"We are now awaiting the Syndicate meeting to finalise the process," a university official said.

Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Shamim Uddin had announced on December 12 of last year that the Institute of Fine Arts would be moved back to the main campus after months of student demonstrations. This promise was made after a series of protests calling for the relocation, but as of now, the university has yet to begin the process.

Back in December, students organised a press conference urging the university to issue a formal notification regarding the move. However, students remain frustrated by the delay.

Mehedi Hasan, a student from the 2020-21 batch, expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "We were assured by pro-vice chancellor that the Institute of Fine Arts would be relocated by March 31. We appreciated this decision, but now, three months later, no steps have been taken. We demand immediate action. If this issue is not addressed soon, we will be forced to escalate our protests."

Sohel Rana, another student from the 2021-22 batch, noted internal divisions among the faculty.

"While many in the administration support the relocation, some pro-Awami League teachers in our department are resisting the move. The faculty is divided, and this has stalled the process."

In response to these concerns, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Kamal Uddin said, "While there were initial disagreements among the fine arts faculty, the issue has now been resolved internally. The demand is to integrate additional departments into the Institute of Fine Arts and relocate the remaining infrastructure to the main campus. This is a complex process that requires time. All decisions have been approved by the academic council, and we are now awaiting the syndicate meeting."

He added, "Once the university reopens, we will convene a syndicate meeting to finalise the relocation process. We are committed to adhering to the rule of law in this matter."

The relocation of the Institute of Fine Arts has been a long-standing issue.

On November 2, 2023, students launched a sit-in protest, demanding the move, and after 82 days of disruption, they returned to classes on January 23, 2024.

Following another round of protests in January 2024, the university administration declared the institute closed on February 2.

On December 12, 2024, the administration finally promised the relocation by March 31, 2025, but students continue to wait for concrete action.