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Protesters at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) have given newly appointed Vice-Chancellor Professor Sheikh Shariful Alam an ultimatum to leave the vice-chancellor’s residence by noon on Monday, warning that they would lock its gate and disconnect water and electricity supplies if he failed to comply.
The protesters announced the deadline on Monday and declared the VC’s residence “vacant”. They also urged supporters to gather in front of the residence to enforce their demand.
As of 12:45pm, the vice-chancellor was still inside the residence, accompanied by Chhatra Dal leaders. Plainclothes police personnel were also seen there.
Earlier in the morning, Professor Sheikh Shariful Alam entered his office after breaking the lock on the administrative building. He arrived on campus around 8:45am, accompanied by several former students and Chhatra Dal leaders.
Later, Professor Arafat Rahman, who had been serving as acting vice-chancellor, handed over charge to him.
Around 10am, students began gathering in front of the VC’s residence to protest against the new appointment. Tension briefly flared when students prevented several former students from entering the residence with flowers and food.
A heated exchange also took place between Chhatra Dal’s CUET organising secretary, Biplob Hossain Tanmoy, and Chhatra Dal supporter Sad Bin Mostafa. The situation later returned to normal.
“I entered the university this morning. I am now waiting for teachers from the Student Welfare Directorate. Once they arrive, I will sit with the students and talk to them,” Sheikh Shariful Alam said.
Asked whether he had carried out any official work since arriving, he said he had not done much.
Chhatra Dal joint general secretary Abu Sufian Al Sabit said they had entered the campus alongside the vice-chancellor.
Biplob Hossain Tanmoy said Chhatra Dal had supported the vice-chancellor in performing his duties because the government had appointed him.
He urged students to give the new VC an opportunity to work before judging his performance.
However, fourth-year student Mahidur Rahman Osmani said the students had rejected him and would continue their protest.
The university has remained paralysed amid a prolonged dispute over the demand for reinstatement of former VC Professor Abu Sayed Muhammad Sayem. Teachers, officers and employees have been observing work abstentions, while students have continued their movement.
The students’ “total shutdown” programme has been in effect since September 22, with torch processions, red-card demonstrations and other protests. Regular academic activities remain suspended.
