Despite the intervention of Education Adviser CR Abrar, students at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) are continuing their hunger strike, demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Mashud.

The adviser met the striking students on Wednesday (April 23) morning, speaking with them for about half an hour. However, no resolution was reached.

"The students want an immediate announcement. I tried to explain that legal procedures must be followed and any decision must be made accordingly," Abrar told reporters after the meeting. 

He said, "I came here as a father figure, urging sick students to drink water and the rest to reconsider continuing the strike. Still, they remain firm in their demand."

He added that he had no intention to speak with others during his visit and was focused solely on ending the hunger strike.

The students, who began their protest on Monday (April 21) afternoon, said that their initial six-point demand has now narrowed to one: the removal of the vice-chancellor. 

They remain camped in front of KUET's Student Welfare Center, despite the sweltering summer heat and growing health concerns.

As of Wednesday morning, at least five students had fallen ill. Many others are suffering from low blood pressure and fatigue. The situation has left parents increasingly anxious.

On Tuesday evening, students forcibly entered Rokeya Hall after breaking the lock, reportedly assisted by others from nearby dormitories.

At a rally in Dhaka’s Shahbagh early Wednesday, students from various institutions—including DU, BUET, CUET, and Dhaka College—called for a nationwide boycott of classes in solidarity with the KUET movement.

BDST: 1457 HRS, APR 23, 2025
SMS