Chattogram, Oct 12 — Professor Sheikh Shariful Alam assumed office as the new Vice-Chancellor of Chattogram University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) on Monday, amid ongoing student protests. Arriving on campus around 9:45 a.m., he entered his office after breaking a padlock placed by protesting students, who have enforced an indefinite shutdown.

The students oppose Professor Alam's appointment and have demanded the reinstatement of the former Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr Abu Shadat Muhammad Sayem. Afif Kabir, a third-year student in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, stated that reinstating Sayem remains a central demand for the protesting student body.

The student protesters criticized the timing of the new VC’s entry, noting it occurred early in the morning during the Durga Puja holidays when many students were either asleep or had left campus. They described the act of breaking the padlock as disrespectful and reaffirmed their refusal to accept Sheikh Shariful Alam as the university’s vice-chancellor.

Students have maintained a "complete shutdown" of campus activities as part of their ongoing demonstration, with Kabir confirming that the closure will persist until their demands are addressed.

The administration has not yet publicly responded to the students’ objections or the circumstances surrounding the Vice-Chancellor’s arrival. The situation remains tense as the university community navigates the leadership transition amid sustained unrest.