Teachers, officials and employees of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) have announced an all-out non-cooperation programme, continuing their work stoppage in protest against newly appointed Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Sheikh Shariful Alam's entry into the campus with the alleged assistance of outsiders.
The three associations said they would refrain from performing all duties until their previously announced demands were met.
The decision was taken at a joint meeting of the associations at the university's central auditorium today (12 October), according to a joint statement issued after the meeting.
In the statement, the associations said they "strongly reject" the vice-chancellor's entry into the campus with the alleged assistance of outsiders.
They also warned that he would bear full responsibility if any untoward incident occurred on campus over the matter.
Following a press conference on an alleged attack on buses carrying Cuet students, teachers, officials and employees brought out a protest procession from in front of the central auditorium.
The procession ended at the Central Shaheed Minar, where leaders of the three associations addressed the gathering.
"We are facing a serious crisis today. On behalf of the three associations, we condemn the reprehensible attack on our students at Madunaghat," said Md Samiun Basir, joint secretary of the Cuet Teachers' Association.
Jamal Uddin, president of the Cuet Employees' Association, said the associations had convened a joint general meeting in response to the incident.
"Our buses had been operating according to schedule, but today our bus was attacked," he said.
"We demand that the government identify those who attacked the students' bus and bring them to justice within 24 hours."
Cuet Teachers' Association General Secretary Dr Md Abul Hasan said the movement had entered its 21st day and had remained disciplined until the bus attack.
"Our movement had remained highly disciplined until now. Today, an attempt was made to create disorder by attacking the students' bus. All sides at Cuet are united. We urge the government to ensure justice over the attack through a proper investigation," he said.
Teachers' Association President Prof Dr Mohammad Ahsan Ullah said the officer-in-charge of Hathazari Police Station and the divisional commissioner had been informed about the incident.
"We hope they will take the necessary measures as quickly as possible," he added.
Cuet has been facing a stalemate for 21 consecutive days amid a work stoppage by teachers, officials and employees and a student movement demanding the reinstatement of former vice-chancellor Prof Dr Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem.
The situation has further deteriorated following the newly appointed vice-chancellor's entry into the campus and assumption of office.