Sylhet:Around 20 teachers and staff of Sylhet Engineering College were released from confinement after being held in the college's administrative building for nearly 33 hours. The confinement occurred as part of ongoing student protests demanding the college's separation from the Directorate of Technical Education and affiliation with Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST).
According to United News of Bangladesh, the teachers were released at approximately 930 pm on Monday when students unlocked the administrative building. Despite the release, students have vowed to continue their protests until a definitive decision is made regarding the college's affiliation with SUST.
On Monday, discussions took place between student representatives and officials, including Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Quiyum Choudhury and Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Al Mamun. These officials assured students that their demands would be presented to the relevant ministries and higher authorities, urging the release of the confined staff and teachers.
However, students have refused to end their protest, citing a history of unfulfilled assurances. They have stated that all classes, examinations, laboratory activities, and academic operations will remain suspended indefinitely until an official gazette notification confirms the college's separation from the Directorate of Technical Education.
Additionally, students have rejected a recent government directive appointing a new principal, insisting that the newly appointed principal will not be permitted to enter the campus unless their primary demand for affiliation with SUST is met.