Faculty members at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) have issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mihir Ranjan Halder, demanding the immediate restoration of normal academic activities and a supportive campus environment.
The warning came during a sit-in protest staged by the KUET Teachers’ Association for the second consecutive day in front of the VC’s office. Teachers have been protesting since May 4, calling for disciplinary action over incidents on February 18–19, during which several faculty members were allegedly harassed.
At a press briefing following the protest, the Teachers’ Association announced that if the VC fails to take effective action by 1:00 PM on May 21, they will launch a one-point movement questioning his leadership and demanding a resolution to the ongoing crisis.
“If the Vice Chancellor cannot ensure a workable environment, he must take responsibility and consider stepping down,” said Professor Dr. Md. Faruk Hossain, General Secretary of the association.
The teachers previously attempted to resolve the issue through dialogue, including a meeting on May 14 where a roadmap to restore normalcy was agreed upon. However, delays in disciplinary proceedings and the VC’s continued absence from campus have reignited faculty frustration.
“We were ready to return to classes last Sunday,” said Teachers’ Association President Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam. “But the VC’s failure to act within the agreed timeframe has forced us to resume protests.”
The teachers plan to continue their sit-in on Wednesday and are expected to announce their next steps if their demands remain unmet by the deadline.
