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Financial and administrative activities at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) have come to a standstill as the university remains without a vice-chancellor (VC) for over a week.
More than 1,100 teachers, staff, and employees have not received their salaries, wages, or Eid-ul-Adha bonuses. Frustration is growing across the university, according to insiders.
They said the university's accounts section stated that no financial activity is possible without the VC’s signature. Monthly payments to around 350 teachers, 200 officials, and 500 employees remain pending.
Thirty outsourced guards have not been paid for April. Over 500 minimum-wage workers are struggling without income.
Md Sumon Sardar, supervisor of the guards, said they are working with a bare minimum salary, borrowing money, facing pressure from shopkeepers, unable to care for their children, and worried about Eid.
Dr Zulfiqer Hossain, Kuet’s structure and academic expansion coordinator, said a Tk 6 billion (Tk 600 crore) project remains unpaid. Contractors have hinted they will stop work if not paid before Eid, and the fiscal year ends on June 30.
He said no project bills have been signed since VC Masud left. Work on all projects may stop if a new VC is not appointed soon.
Chief Engineer ABM Mamunur Rashid said contractors are not being paid on time, their work pace has slowed, and ongoing projects may shut down midway.
He said salaries, wages, and bonuses for all KUET personnel have stopped, and he called the recruitment of a new VC a crying need.
The KUET community has urged the immediate appointment of an active and capable VC. They fear further delay will deepen the crisis.
On May 19, interim VC Dr. Md Hazrat Ali informed that he was traveling to Dhaka for official work. He resigned on May 22.
Earlier, on April 25, the Ministry of Education removed VC Prof. Dr. Muhammad Masud and Pro-VC Dr. Shariful Alam.
The move followed heavy pressure from the student movement.