Administrative and academic activities at Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) in Gazipur have been halted for six consecutive days due to student protests over the appointment of a new vice-chancellor. The unrest began after a government notification on Thursday appointed Professor Dr. Mohammad Iqbal from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology as DUET’s new VC. Students have locked the main gate, staged demonstrations, and declared the new VC unwelcome, demanding cancellation of his appointment and fulfillment of three specific demands.

University sources said that despite a call for a blockade program, few students were seen participating by late morning. A case has been filed against 250 unidentified individuals, creating fear of arrest among students. The main gate remains locked, though a side gate is open for limited access by staff and faculty. Clashes between student groups on Sunday left at least 15 people, including police, injured.

Students argue that the vice-chancellor should be appointed from DUET’s own faculty, citing their deeper understanding of the institution’s academic and administrative challenges.