Khulna University students call off protests following administrative action against faculty members
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Students at Khulna University have announced the withdrawal of their ongoing protest and academic boycott, citing satisfactory progress in the administration’s response to their three-point demands. The decision signals a return to normalcy, with students calling for the resumption of all academic and administrative activities beginning this Sunday.
The movement, which began on July 23, was spurred by allegations of sexual harassment against two faculty members—Professor Md. Rezaul Islam of the Agrotechnology discipline and Professor Md. Rubel Ansar of the Bengali discipline—as well as claims that a canteen worker at Bijoy ’24 Hall had illicitly recorded videos of female students. In response to these incidents, students had effectively paralyzed the university by locking down administrative and academic buildings and boycotting examinations.
The impasse began to shift during the university’s 237th syndicate meeting held on Thursday. Addressing the grievances, the administration officially terminated Professor Md. Rezaul Islam following a confirmation of the sexual harassment allegations against him. Simultaneously, a five-member committee was established to conduct an investigation into the accusations directed at Professor Rubel Ansar.
The announcement to return to classes was disseminated Friday evening through the “Two Two” Facebook page, which has served as the primary communication platform for the student body throughout the protest. While the students expressed satisfaction with the administration’s recent actions, they issued a stern caveat. They noted that the situation will remain under close observation, warning that any signs of bureaucratic delay or non-cooperation in fully addressing the remaining demands will trigger a return to rigorous protest measures.
Professor Md. Salauddin, the university’s Director of Student Affairs, confirmed the development, noting that students communicated their intent to return to the classroom following the outcomes of Thursday’s syndicate meeting. University officials expressed anticipation for the resumption of campus operations, welcoming the end of the disruption.
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