CU fine arts institute relocates to main campus after student protests

The Institute of Fine Arts at the University of Chittagong (CU) began relocating to the main campus this morning, fulfilling a long-standing demand from students.

Classes are scheduled to begin on May 22, said Professor Tanvir Haider, the university’s proctor.

“The process of bringing the Institute of Fine Arts back to the main campus has begun. We are delighted to fulfil this long standing demand of the students,” he added.

Furniture and equipment are currently being transferred from the institute, with 41 rooms being moved in the first phase. The remaining nine rooms will follow after ongoing examinations conclude.

Students welcomed the move with emotion and gratitude, calling it a long-overdue victory.

“Words cannot express this feeling. We’ve protested for years to achieve this just demand. Finally, we’re witnessing its implementation. We sincerely thank the current administration,” said one of the students.

Farhad Hossain Sumon, a student of the 2020-21 academic session, said, “Following the administration’s announcement, our institute is finally returning to the main campus. This is a joyous development.”

Sohel Rana, from the 2021-22 session, said, “Our movement didn’t begin overnight–it spanned over two and a half years. Many students faced academic uncertainty to demand what was rightfully ours. Now that Charukola is returning, the feeling is indescribable.”

The breakthrough came after students staged a sit-in protest on April 21, followed by an indefinite hunger strike starting at 3:00pm the same day. Their primary demand was the issuance of an official relocation notice through a syndicate decision.

In response, the university administration called an emergency syndicate meeting on April 22. In the 561st syndicate session, the decision to relocate the Institute of Fine Arts to the university campus was officially made.