Bangladesh’s Ministry of Education has directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to form an investigation and advisory committee to resolve the ongoing deadlock at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) and resume regular classroom-based academic activities.

The directive was issued in a letter sent to the UGC chairman on Sunday by the Scholarship and Engineering University Branch of the Secondary and Higher Education Division under the Ministry of Education. The letter was signed by Assistant Secretary Md Sultan Ahmed.

According to the letter, the UGC must form a committee at the member level to examine the issues surrounding the university’s prolonged disruption and submit clear recommendations to the ministry as soon as possible.

The initiative followed a letter sent by CUET to the ministry on October 17.

Emergency Syndicate Meeting Calls for Return to Classes

On Friday evening, CUET held its 145th emergency syndicate meeting online, chaired by newly appointed Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Sheikh Shariful Alam. Six members, including the vice-chancellor, attended the meeting, but no teacher representatives participated.

The syndicate adopted three decisions aimed at addressing the crisis.

First, it expressed concern over disruptions to students’ academic lives and the risk of session backlogs, urging students, teachers, officers and employees to return to regular classroom-based academic activities immediately.

Second, it proposed organising coordinated discussions and consultations involving local public representatives and relevant stakeholders to restore a normal campus environment and rebuild mutual trust.

Third, the syndicate decided to recommend that the Ministry of Education form an impartial, high-powered investigation and advisory committee to identify a sustainable solution to the deadlock and restart academic activities.

Following the syndicate’s third decision, the ministry instructed the UGC to form the committee and submit its recommendations.

Further steps to resolve the crisis and resume regular classes will be determined based on the committee’s review and recommendations.

Prolonged Disruption Raises Fears of Academic Delays

Classes and examinations at CUET have been disrupted for an extended period amid student protests surrounding the change of vice-chancellor.

The prolonged impasse has raised concerns that students’ academic progress could be delayed and that session backlogs may develop.

The proposed investigation and advisory committee is expected to examine the underlying issues and recommend measures to restore normal academic operations at the engineering university.