Ending a prolonged deadlock that lasted for 36 days, students of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) have finally returned to their classrooms. Academic activities, including regular classes and examinations, resumed across various departments on Wednesday morning following the withdrawal of the continuous 'complete shutdown' program. However, despite returning to academic routines, the students have made it clear that they are not stepping back from their core demand of reinstating the outgoing vice-chancellor, and protests will continue alongside their studies.
Visiting different departments on Wednesday morning, signs of normalcy began to appear as students and teachers gathered in classrooms. Departments such as Urban and Regional Planning saw sessions begin, although student attendance was somewhat sparse on the first day. Professor Fauzia Gulshana Rashid, head of the Urban and Regional Planning department, noted that classes for all batches commenced smoothly with active participation from both faculty members and students, bringing a sense of life back to the campus after weeks of silence.
Not all departments, however, resumed classes immediately. The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering delayed their resumption due to scheduled meetings between teachers, students, and a visiting advisory committee from the University Grants Commission (UGC). Professor Tofael Ahmed, head of the EEE department, stated that while their department was fully prepared to conduct classes, the UGC meetings required the presence of both faculty and students, and academic activities in those specific departments will resume on Thursday.
Student representatives emphasized that returning to classes does not equate to abandoning their legitimate demands. Nafis Hasan, a student leader at CUET, stated that the ongoing movement for the reinstatement of the former vice-chancellor will persist in parallel with academic pursuits. The students reiterated that they desire a respectful and peaceful resolution to the crisis rather than confrontation, urging the authorities to protect their academic futures while seriously considering their grievances.
The prolonged shutdown had previously inflicted severe disruptions on CUET's academic calendar, prompting concern among all stakeholders. With administrative bodies, UGC representatives, and student factions now engaging in dialogues, the university community looks forward to a sustainable resolution that bridges the gap between administrative decisions and student aspirations, ensuring uninterrupted higher education.
