Students of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) today (26 September) showed a “red card” to the newly appointed vice-chancellor, rejecting his appointment and announcing a boycott.

They also demanded the reinstatement of former VC Professor Dr Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem, who was removed from the post on 21 September.

The students held the programme around 2pm on the university campus, holding red cards and chanting slogans rejecting the appointment of the new VC.

Sakibur Rahman, a fourth-year student of Cuet’s Department of Civil Engineering who took part in the protest, said, “A qualified person has been removed from his position. As Cuet students, we can never accept this. Whatever the reason, we want to see him as our vice-chancellor. That is why we are showing a red card to the new VC in protest.”

The protesting students said they have been holding various programmes in protest against the change of vice-chancellor and would continue their movement until their demands are met.

A gazette notification issued on 21 September removed Sayem as Cuet vice-chancellor and appointed Prof Sheikh Shariful Alam, a professor at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet), as his replacement. However, the notification did not state a reason for Sayem’s removal.

Cuet students began protesting that night and have since held processions, sit-ins, a mass signature campaign and human chains.

On 23 September, they suspended classes and examinations alongside a mass signature campaign.

Meanwhile, the Cuet Teachers’ Association announced a full strike on 24 September, also demanding Sayem’s reinstatement.

According to the association, activities related to residential halls and emergency services were kept outside the strike.

Today’s programme was part of the ongoing protests against former VC’s removal and the appointment of the new VC.