by
Khulna, June 3, 2025: With Eid-ul-Adha holidays set to begin on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), over 1,100 teachers, officers, and staff members are facing financial distress as they have not received their salaries or Eid bonuses. The campus will remain closed until June 15, but the final working day on Tuesday, June 3, passed without resolving the payment issues, leaving many uncertain about fulfilling financial obligations, including performing Qurbani during Eid.
The delay stems from administrative complications following the resignation of interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Md. Hazrat Ali on May 22, prompted by protests from the teachers’ association. The absence of a Vice-Chancellor has stalled the release of funds, as their signature is required for disbursing salaries and bonuses. On May 29, KUET’s Registrar sought guidance from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Education, but no response has been received. The Eid holidays, extending until June 14, further complicate the situation.
Two anonymous staff members expressed frustration, stating that the lack of funds has made it difficult to plan for Eid expenses, including Qurbani. “We’re unsure if we can manage the costs. This is unprecedented at KUET,” they said. Md. Moinul Haque, President of the KUET Officers’ Association, echoed similar concerns, highlighting the financial strain felt by employees.
Additionally, over 7,500 students are grappling with academic disruptions, as classes and exams have been suspended for three and a half months due to ongoing unrest. Many students have already left for home as the holidays begin, but they face the risk of session delays. The crisis traces back to February 18, when clashes injured over 100 students, and some students allegedly humiliated the then Vice-Chancellor and other teachers, leading to a boycott of classes and exams by faculty.
Dr. Md. Faruk Hossain, General Secretary of the KUET Teachers’ Association, stated that teachers will not resume classes or exams until the students responsible for the humiliation are punished. He emphasized that the non-payment of salaries and bonuses has added to the faculty’s grievances, and the issue will be raised with the new Vice-Chancellor once appointed.
KUET’s Deputy Registrar Abdur Rahman confirmed that efforts were made to resolve the payment issue through discussions with the UGC and the Ministry, but no progress has been made. The Vice-Chancellor’s position has been vacant since May 22, and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor’s post has been empty since April 25, exacerbating the administrative deadlock.
AI/MR
