Professor Dr Sheikh Shariful Alam, the newly appointed vice-chancellor of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), has been unable to enter the campus because of a three-day total shutdown, and was forced to join online. Classes, exams and administrative work did not return to normal even on the day he took office. Students, teachers, officers and staff are continuing their protests demanding the reinstatement of the previous vice-chancellor, Professor Dr Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem. Professor Sheikh Shariful Alam took up the post on Thursday (September 24) following an education ministry notification, and sent his joining letter to the education secretary the same day.
“I joined online today,” Professor Sheikh Shariful Alam said. “My joining letter has been sent to the prime minister’s office and the education ministry. The education secretary has confirmed to me that he has received it.”
Describing his connection to CUET, he said: “I was a student at CUET. I have feelings and love for CUET. Once I take charge, I will work above party lines for the university’s overall development.” He also pledged to advance its teaching, research and administration.
On the day the new vice-chancellor joined, students formed a human chain at the university’s central Shaheed Minar. Holding placards, they chanted slogans including “Who is the VC? Who but Sayem sir?” and “We have one demand: Sayem sir as VC”. They demanded Professor Sayem’s reinstatement and the withdrawal of the notification appointing the new vice-chancellor, and presented an open letter to the prime minister. In it, the students wrote that they had nothing personal against the new appointee: “We have no personal position against the newly appointed person. We want Professor Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem reinstated as CUET’s vice-chancellor.”
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report