CUET Vice-Chancellor escorted from campus after 30-hour student siege

The Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) remains in crisis following a 30-hour siege of the administrative building. The newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sheikh Shariful Alam, was escorted from the campus by local authorities on Tuesday evening after being confined by protesting students.

Students have been protesting the replacement of former Vice-Chancellor Professor Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem, demanding his reinstatement. While some students claimed the Vice-Chancellor was allowed to leave only on the condition that he never return to campus, Professor Alam has issued a statement rejecting these claims as “false and baseless,” asserting his intention to resume duties once his health recovers.

In response to the appointment and the subsequent unrest, CUET teachers, officials, and staff have announced a “total non-cooperation movement.” They have declared they will not assist the new Vice-Chancellor in administrative duties until their demands are met. The situation has been further complicated by reports of physical deterioration among those confined in the building and allegations of political involvement behind the protests.