Ministry Moves to Resolve CUET Impasse

The Ministry of Education has directed the formation of an inquiry and advisory committee to resolve the ongoing crisis at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) and restore normal academic operations. A letter regarding this initiative was issued on Sunday by the Scholarship and Engineering University Branch of the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry and sent to the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The directive instructs the UGC to establish a committee at the member level to thoroughly review the current situation at CUET and urgently submit specific recommendations to the ministry to overcome the deadlock.

On September 21, then CUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem was removed from his position, and Professor Sheikh Shariful Alam of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) was appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor. In protest of this decision, students have been enforcing a total shutdown since September 22. Teachers, officers, and employees have also been observing work stoppages and non-cooperation programs in solidarity with the demand.

Consequently, classes, examinations, and the majority of academic activities remain suspended, severely disrupting students’ education. To identify the root causes of the crisis and find a viable resolution, the Ministry of Education has undertaken this committee formation initiative. Stakeholders hope this step will pave the way for restoring a normal educational environment at CUET.