Students at Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET), Gazipur, have intensified their ongoing protest rejecting the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, bringing nearly all academic and administrative activities to a standstill on Monday (May 18).
Under the pre-announced “DUET Blockade” programme, protesting students locked the main entrance and administrative buildings of the university, effectively preventing entry of officials and staff.
Appointment Triggered Protest
The unrest began after the government issued a notification appointing Professor Mohammad Iqbal as the new Vice Chancellor of DUET on Thursday. Since then, a section of students has been protesting, demanding the cancellation of the appointment.
Students’ Demands
The protesting students have placed three key demands:
- Cancellation of the newly appointed VC’s appointment
- Appointment of a DUET internal faculty member as Vice Chancellor
- Justice for those involved in clashes
They argue that DUET, being a specialized engineering university, requires leadership from its own academic faculty familiar with its institutional structure.
Clashes and Tensions
Earlier developments included rallies, road blockades, and protests. Demonstrators also burned tyres on the Dhaka–Shimultoli road during Thursday’s protests.
On Sunday, tensions escalated during the “red card” programme against the new VC, leading to clashes between opposing groups of students, leaving at least 20 injured.
The university authority stated that although the newly appointed VC joined on Sunday evening, he could not enter the campus and later held an online meeting with teachers, officials, and staff.
Political Allegations and Student Positions
Different student groups, including Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir, have reportedly taken opposing stances regarding the situation. However, protesting students insist the movement is entirely non-political and student-led, rejecting any form of campus-based political influence.
Security Measures
Additional police have been deployed around the campus to maintain order.
Gazipur Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Aminul Islam confirmed that the situation remained calm until Monday morning.
