On Wednesday night, students at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) staged a protest march and held a press briefing to oppose political slogans on campus. The demonstration commenced at around 1:00 a.m. in front of the university’s Shaheed Minar. Participants emphasised that maintaining an apolitical environment at BUET is a non-negotiable principle and an essential part of the university’s long-standing commitment to academic neutrality.
According to the students, Nasiruddin Patwari, a former parliamentary candidate for Dhaka-8, had attended prayers at the BUET central mosque as part of his routine Tarabi and public outreach activities. While the mosque is open to all and anyone may participate in prayers, the students alleged that political slogans were voiced in conjunction with his visit, which contradicts the institution’s apolitical ethos.
During the press briefing, the students highlighted the sacrifices of former BUET students, including Abrar Fahad and Sabekunnahar Soni, whose dedication helped establish a campus environment free from political influence. “Student politics has not only caused loss of lives but has also disrupted the education and careers of many talented individuals,” they stated.
The students underscored that the sole identity of BUET students should be as learners and scholars, rejecting any political affiliation within campus grounds. They described BUET as a sanctuary for knowledge, research, and the cultivation of humanistic values—not a stage for political manoeuvring.
Expressing a firm stance, the protesters declared their rejection of any activity by political parties on campus and reaffirmed their commitment to preserving a politics-free BUET in the future.
The table below summarises the key elements of the students’ campaign to safeguard an apolitical campus:
| Subject | Description |
|---|---|
| Date & Time of Protest | 26 February 2026, 1:00 a.m. |
| Location | Shaheed Minar, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology |
| Main Complaint | Political slogans and candidate presence on campus |
| Student Demand | Maintain BUET as an apolitical institution; halt political activities |
| Commitment | Ensure a politics-free campus in the future |
The students expressed hope that the university administration and relevant authorities would take their demands seriously and uphold BUET’s apolitical identity. The peaceful protest has set a notable example of student solidarity, potentially serving as a model for other higher education institutions striving to limit undue political influence.
This demonstration not only reflects the students’ dedication to their academic pursuits but also highlights their awareness and responsibility toward preserving the moral and social values of their institution.