Khulna: The temporary suspension of 37 students from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) has been lifted, and the university's seven residential halls have been reopened today. This decision was reached during the 102nd emergency meeting of the university syndicate held this afternoon, as announced in a notice signed by the university registrar, Md. Anisur Rahman Bhuiyan.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a previous emergency syndicate meeting (101st) had initially decided to resume all academic activities from May 4 and reopen the residential halls on May 2. However, the latest syndicate meeting advanced the reopening date to today. The decision comes in response to ongoing student protests and sit-ins that began on April 13, demanding the reopening of the residential halls.
On the night of April 14, the syndicate had temporarily suspended 37 students following clashes that took place on February 18 and 19. The incident was forwarded to the university's student disciplinary committee for further examination based on an investigation report.
Meanwhile, a delegation from the University Grants Commission (UGC) visited KUET to evaluate the situation and consider the students' demands. They assured the students that appropriate actions would be taken after reviewing the demands.
The UGC delegation, consisting of Dhaka University Professor Tanzimuddin Khan, BUET Professor Saidur Rahman, and Joint Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division Ahmed Shibli, arrived at KUET around 11 am. The delegation engaged with students on hunger strike, urging them to end their protest, and later held a two-hour meeting with student representatives.