Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), a pivotal institution for engineering education in Bangladesh, is currently navigating a significant administrative challenge that has impacted its approximately 7,500 students. For 126 days, the university has faced a leadership vacuum following the removal of its Vice-Chancellor (VC) and Pro-VC in late April, and the subsequent resignation of an interim VC in early May. This situation has led to the suspension of classes and examinations, placing many students in a period of uncertainty regarding their academic progress. The absence of a confirmed Vice-Chancellor, whose signature is essential for all official transactions, has created considerable operational hurdles. Beyond the academic disruptions, administrative and financial activities have largely come to a halt. This has unfortunately resulted in the non-payment of salaries for over 1,100 dedicated teachers, officers, and staff since April, posing a challenge for the entire university community. Furthermore, development projects at the university, valued at over Tk 600 crore, face the risk of budget forfeiture as the fiscal year concludes soon, emphasizing the urgency of a resolution. Despite these challenges, concerted efforts are being made by various stakeholders to restore full functionality and stability to KUET. The Kuet Teachers’ Association has been actively advocating for the swift appointment of a new VC and for necessary disciplinary actions to ensure a conducive academic environment. Both students and the university’s registrar have proactively appealed to the chancellor and the education ministry, urging them to prioritize the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor or establish an interim authority to resume critical operations. These collective appeals underscore the deep commitment within the KUET community to its academic mission and future development. The government has also initiated the process for appointing a new Vice-Chancellor by issuing a notification inviting applications for the crucial post. While the timeline is tight, particularly with the fiscal year-end approaching, this move signals a commitment to resolving the leadership issue. The active engagement of all partiesโstudents, faculty, and administrative appeals to the highest levels of governanceโhighlights a determined effort to overcome this temporary setback. The successful and timely appointment of a new leadership is paramount for KUET to resume its full academic calendar, ensure financial continuity, and progress with its vital development projects. Such a resolution will not only alleviate the current limbo for thousands of students but also reinforce the stability and future trajectory of this esteemed engineering institution, allowing it to continue its crucial contribution to Bangladesh’s technological and human resource development.
