DUET Students Declare Complete Shutdown Over VC Row

Protesting students at the Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) have announced a "complete shutdown" of all academic and administrative activities, demanding the immediate cancellation of the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor's (VC) appointment.

The shutdown follows a two-day campus blockade based on three core demands. Since early Tuesday morning, over a hundred students chanted slogans, locked the main gate, and barricaded the entrances with tree trunks and furniture.

During a press conference at the university's Shaheed Minar premises, the protesters declared the shutdown would continue until their demands are met. The students alleged that political narratives, lawsuits, and intimidation tactics are being weaponized to suppress their legitimate movement. They warned that they would not be deterred by these pressures and urged the newly appointed VC to step down.

Tensions have gripped the campus for six consecutive days. To address the crisis, the new VC held an emergency meeting on Tuesday morning with faculty deans, department heads, and hall provosts at the Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner's office. Rumors of the VC’s potential arrival at the campus further fueled unrest by the afternoon.

Meanwhile, following a violent clash between two student groups over the VC's arrival last Sunday, police have filed a case against 200 to 250 unidentified individuals on charges of assault and obstructing government duties.