The University Grants Commission (UGC) has established a six-member advisory committee to address and resolve the ongoing crisis and academic deadlock at the Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET). Formed at the behest of the Ministry of Education, this high-level committee aims to restore normalcy, reopen academic activities, and recommend viable solutions to the administrative friction surrounding the vice-chancellor's office.
The development follows a formal letter sent by the Ministry of Education to the UGC, urging immediate intervention to tackle the standstill at the engineering institution. Responding promptly, the commission finalized the six-member panel, headed by UGC member Professor Abdullah-Al-Mamun as the coordinator. The committee brings together prominent academic leaders and senior administrative officials to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the ground realities.
The esteemed panel includes BUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Ekramul Haq, Chittagong University Vice-Chancellor Mohammad Al Forkan, and Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Vice-Chancellor Mohammad Yusup Elahi Chowdhury. Additionally, the Ministry of Education's Secondary and Higher Education Division Additional Secretary Md. Mahbubul Haque Patwary and UGC Additional Director Md. Mohibul Ahsan—who will serve as the member secretary—have been included to provide bureaucratic and technical oversight.
The root of the current turmoil dates back to July 27, when Professor Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem of CUET's Mechanical Engineering Department was appointed as the vice-chancellor by the government. However, after serving for just 56 days, he was relieved of his duties on September 21, and Professor Sheikh Shariful Alam from the Khulna University of Engineering and Technology was appointed as his successor. This abrupt administrative shift sparked immediate student protests on the very same night, culminating in padlocking the vice-chancellor's residence.
From September 22, a full-scale shutdown was enforced across the campus, crippling all classes, examinations, and administrative functions. The standoff has severely disrupted the academic calendar and created deep-seated anxiety among students and faculty members. The newly formed advisory committee is expected to engage with stakeholders, assess the grievances, and submit a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations to the UGC to normalize the university's operations.
