The ongoing standoff at KUET has now extended past five months, causing escalating frustration and harm to both students and the university system. Concerned individuals gathered in a human chain protest to demand the swift appointment of a new VC and the resumption of academic operations. The KUET Guardian Forum submitted a memorandum to the education adviser, emphasizing the negative impact of prolonged closures and mounting session backlogs on students, hindering their progress compared to peers in other institutions.
While the interests of students and teachers currently align, potential differences may arise in the future. Teachers insist on the appointment of a new VC before classes can resume, while students advocate for immediate class resumption regardless of the VC situation. This distinction highlights the evolving dynamics since the crisis erupted on February 18 following clashes between student groups regarding on-campus politics.
Following student protests and subsequent administrative changes, a newly appointed VC resigned on May 22 due to pressure and lack of support. Despite a directive to resume academic activities from May 4, the KUET Teachers’ Association continues to boycott all academic and administrative tasks, citing unresolved grievances from previous student demonstrations.
The urgent appointment of a new VC is imperative to restart classes, although concerns persist regarding the longevity of the appointment and the need to rebuild trust among stakeholders. The current environment in public universities has been tumultuous since the July unrest, with detrimental effects on students. At KUET, the prolonged deadlock has led to financial issues, including delayed salary payments to teachers, officers, and staff members due to the absence of a VC.
Addressing the stalemate at KUET requires collaboration from all parties involved. While recognizing the valid concerns of teachers, it is crucial to prioritize the academic future of over 7,500 students by finding a resolution swiftly. The government must act promptly to appoint a new VC and tackle underlying issues to avoid further delays and disruptions.