Khulna: General students of Khulna University (KU) initiated a midnight protest demanding the abolition of the student representative system and opposing the increase in registration fees.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the students laid out three primary demands: reduction of registration fees, extension of the course registration deadline, and removal of the student representative system. The protest began at 11pm from Hadi Chattar and passed through several halls including Bir Sreshtha Ruhul Amin Hall, Khan Bahadur Ahsanullah Hall, and Khan Jahan Ali Hall. The procession encircled the Vice-Chancellor’s residence before returning to Hadi Chattar, where the students conducted a sit-in and a brief rally.
During the rally, Alif Mahmud, a fourth-year Pharmacy student, expressed concerns over the increased registration fees, asserting that the hike was implemented without student consultation and was unaffordable. Rezwanul Haque, a fourth-year English student, highlighted that Khulna University has maintained a non-political stance since its inception and opposed the introduction of student representatives, fearing it would politicize the campus.
The students demanded immediate reduction of the registration fee, extension of the registration period, and abolition of the student representative system. In response, Assistant Director of Student Affairs Ehsan Majid Mostafa addressed the gathering, committing to convey the students’ demands to the administration. However, Professor Dr Md Rezaul Karim countered claims of increased registration fees, attributing them to misinformation on social media.