Kuet teachers now suspend admin work

The teachers' association of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (Kuet) yesterday announced a complete suspension of all administrative activities with immediate effect.

The decision was made at a general meeting at the university's administrative building following a discussion with the vice-chancellor.

"We want to return to our classrooms, but a conducive environment must be restored first," said Md Faruk Hossain, general secretary of the Kuet Teachers' Association.

During a clash between Kuet students and 'outsiders', some students physically assaulted teachers.

On May 5, the Kuet teachers decided to abstain from academic duties, insisting that students who assaulted teachers be brought to justice first.

But now, they will also refrain from participating in any administrative functions -- except those relating to the disciplinary committee -- if no satisfactory progress is made in concluding the investigation into the assault incident by noon today.

Following an investigation by a syndicate-mandated investigation committee, 37 students were shown show-cause notices on May 12. The students did not respond within the deadline and the administration did not take any further action at its own discretion.

The Kuet Teachers' Association said the administration halted the judicial process in violation of university regulations under pressure from "invisible higher authorities" and to protect the interests of a "select group of students".

"If the administration fails to take satisfactory action by 12:00pm tomorrow [today], we will begin a sit-in protest at the vice-chancellor's office," the association said in the press conference after the meeting.

The show-cause process, initiated as per the 103rd syndicate decision and completed by the disciplinary committee, must now proceed to a final hearing to ensure due process, they said.

"No individual authority can override this standard procedure. The disciplinary process must be concluded by 12:00pm tomorrow to restore the academic environment," they said.

If essential university structures such as disciplinary bodies cannot perform their duties due to persistent threats and interference, and if teachers continue to face harassment, cyberbullying and public humiliation, then a normal educational environment cannot exist.

The syndicate had previously formed a separate committee to address rising incidents of cyberbullying and social humiliation faced by teachers. But no visible action has been taken so far.

"Despite assurances from the vice-chancellor, many of our colleagues remain victims of cyberbullying," the statement said.

If the crisis persists, the VC would be held solely responsible for any fallout, the association said.

The university has been closed since February 18 over a myriad of protests.