Students and teachers of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) on Tuesday observed a “complete shutdown” in protest against the removal of Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Abu Shadat Muhammad Sayem.

Hundreds of students blocked the university’s main gate despite rain in the morning, demanding Sayem’s reinstatement. He was removed from the post on Monday after serving as vice-chancellor for 56 days.

Academic and administrative activities remained suspended as students boycotted classes and examinations as part of the protest.

Earlier on Monday night, students brought out a procession on the campus, demanding Sayem's reinstatement. Later, protesters padlocked the main gate of the VC’s residence.

The procession began at Swadhinata Chattar and passed through various academic buildings, female student dormitories and residential areas.

Female students also joined the protest, with many coming out of their dormitories to take part in the procession.

Speaking at the rally, Fahmida Nusaiba, a student of the Department of Architecture, said the students want Sayem to be reinstated as VC immediately.

“After a long time, we found a capable vice-chancellor. He is student-friendly and has supported us in various areas, including academics,” she said.

Ahnaf Shahriar Arnob, a student of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, said the protesters locked the VC’s residence and would allow only Sayem to unlock it.

Meanwhile, the CUET Teachers' Association expressed solidarity with the students' movement and demanded withdrawal of the notification appointing a new VC, removing Sayem.

Teachers formed a human chain in front of the university's administrative building around 11:00am in support of the demand.

Prof Sheikh Shariful Alam of the Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) was appointed the new CUET vice-chancellor, replacing Sayem.

Sayem was appointed CUET vice-chancellor on July 27.