Student Factions Clash at DUET Over New VC Appointment

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GAZIPUR – A student protest at Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) in Gazipur escalated into clashes on Sunday over the appointment of a new vice-chancellor, leaving at least 15 people injured. The confrontation involved rival factions exchanging brickbats and engaging in pursuits, intensifying tensions that had been building on campus since morning.

The dispute arose after the government appointed Professor Mohammad Iqbal of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology as DUET’s new vice-chancellor on Thursday. A segment of the student body, supported by several teacher leaders, promptly rejected the decision, advocating for a vice-chancellor to be selected from among DUET’s own senior faculty members.

The student movement, which began Thursday night, intensified Sunday morning as protesters gathered on campus from 8 a.m. News that the newly appointed vice-chancellor might arrive at the campus further fueled the demonstration, leading students to padlock the main gate of the university. Subsequent arguments between the demonstrators and students supporting the new vice-chancellor quickly descended into violence, marked by the throwing of bricks.

Protesting students argued that DUET, as a specialized engineering institution, possesses unique academic and administrative realities different from other universities. They asserted that appointing a qualified and senior internal faculty member would better serve the university’s interests.

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By approximately 11:45 a.m., a tense calm prevailed across the university area. Law enforcement authorities deployed additional police personnel to manage the situation and maintain order.

Dr. Aminul Islam, director of Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Medical College Hospital in Gazipur, confirmed that 15 injured individuals from the DUET campus had been admitted to the hospital by noon. Meanwhile, Mohammad Aminul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Gazipur Sadar Police Station, acknowledged the ongoing tension among students regarding the vice-chancellor appointment and stated that police were working to control the situation. He noted, however, that the police had not received reports of injuries at that time.