Students at the University of Dhaka (DU) have announced a “Stand with KUET” campaign, calling the expulsion of 37 students from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) unjust. BUET students also held a human chain protest on their campus, joined by alumni.
The move follows KUET’s decision to temporarily expel 37 students after an investigation into incidents that occurred on 18–19 February. The syndicate accepted the inquiry report in an emergency meeting on 14 April and forwarded the matter to the student disciplinary committee.
The expelled students and their peers have rejected the decision. They vowed to continue protesting outside the administrative building until residence halls reopen. They claimed they weren’t informed of the decision officially and say academic activities have been stalled for too long.
DU’s Madhur Canteen hosted a press conference by the Bangladesh Democratic Student Council condemning the expulsions and an alleged attack on one of its leaders. Former KUET students have also called for a protest at the National Press Club.
Meanwhile, the student union at Islamic University demanded the withdrawal of expulsions and false cases, and called for the removal of KUET’s vice-chancellor.