The High Court on Monday suspended the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology Central Students’ Union (SUSTCSU or ShakSU) election for four weeks, triggering widespread protests on campus. Following the sudden announcement, students staged demonstrations, blocked highways, and locked the vice-chancellor’s office for nearly 12 hours before releasing him and other officials early Tuesday. The suspension came after three independent candidates filed a writ petition challenging the Election Commission’s approval of the polls.

Earlier, nationalist teachers announced they would not participate in election duties, citing internal disputes. The university’s appeal to the Supreme Court’s chamber judge was not heard due to procedural issues. Meanwhile, the Islamist student group Islami Chhatra Shibir called for nationwide protests demanding immediate implementation of the ShakSU election, announcing a four-day program of rallies and human chains.

University authorities stated they would comply with the court order, while students vowed to continue pressing for their electoral rights. The next hearing date has yet to be set.