Accuses administration of halting judicial process
The teachers' association of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (Kuet) has announced a complete suspension of all administrative activities from today.
The decision was made at a general meeting held this afternoon at the university's administrative building, following a discussion with the vice-chancellor.
In a subsequent press conference, the association accused the Kuet administration of halting the judicial process in violation of university regulations, allegedly under pressure from "invisible higher authorities" and to protect the interests of a select group of students.
"If the administration fails to take satisfactory action by 12:00pm tomorrow, we will begin a sit-in protest at the vice-chancellor's office," the association announced.
The teachers said the show-cause process, initiated as per the 103rd syndicate decision and completed by the disciplinary committee, must now proceed to a final hearing to ensure due process.
"No individual authority can override this standard procedure. The disciplinary process must be concluded by 12:00pm tomorrow to restore the academic environment," they said.
Notably, Kuet authorities issued show-cause notices on May 12 to 37 students for allegedly harassing teachers.
The teachers' association warned that the vice-chancellor would be held solely responsible for any fallout if the crisis persists.
In a written statement, the association reiterated that the syndicate-mandated investigation committee had submitted its findings, and disciplinary actions should have followed accordingly. However, despite the expiry of the response deadline to the show-cause notices, the administration reportedly suspended all further steps on its own discretion.
"This has worsened the crisis and reflects the administration's failure to restore a proper academic atmosphere," the statement read.
It added that if essential university structures such as disciplinary bodies cannot perform their duties due to persistent threats and interference, and if teachers continue to face harassment, cyberbullying, and public humiliation, then a normal educational environment cannot exist.
The syndicate had previously formed a separate committee to address rising incidents of cyberbullying and social humiliation faced by teachers, but no visible action has been taken so far.
"Despite assurances from the vice-chancellor, many of our colleagues remain victims of cyberbullying," the statement said.
"We want to return to our classrooms, but a conducive environment must be restored first," said Md Faruk Hossain, general secretary of the KUET Teachers' Association.
He added that, in line with a resolution passed on May 5, teachers have been abstaining from academic duties. From today, they will also refrain from participating in any administrative functions—except those relating to the disciplinary committee—if no satisfactory progress is made in concluding the investigation into the assault incident by tomorrow noon.
