Tuesday | 14 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
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Tuesday | 14 January 2025 | Epaper
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JnU students withdraw hunger strike, on assurance army will construct 2nd  campus in Keraniganj

Published : Tuesday, 14 January, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 58
JnU Correspondent
Jagannath University (JnU) students on Monday withdrew their hunger strike, after getting assurance from the authorities that Bangladesh Army will construct  new and second JnU campus in Keraniganj.

Following assurance of the Education Ministry, they withdrew their hunger strike  and sit-in demonstration in front of the Bangladesh Secretariat.

Earlier on the day, several thousands of students  gathered in front of the Secretariat blocking roads.

JnU student Faisal Murad told reporters that the government decided to award the construction work to Bangladesh Army.

JnU students began mass hunger strike in front of Shaheed Minar on the campus at 8:30am on Sunday to press the demand of awarding construction of the new campus to the army.

They also demanded speedy  progress in construction of Bani Bhaban and Dr Habibur Rahman Hall in Old Dhaka, housing allowance for at least 70 per cent of students until permanent residential facilities are built.

Despite its location in the heart of Dhaka, Jagannath University perennially suffered  neglect.

Students faced absence of academic environment, safety and shortage of residential halls.

Expressing frustration over the lack of progress, Mehedi Hasan, an English Department student on hunger strike said, "After years of protests, we were finally allocated 200 acres for a second campus, yet no work has begun. Our demand has always been for the army to oversee the construction. In November, during a secretariat siege protest, officials stated the administration could assign the project to the army. However, two months later, nothing was done. We were tired of bureaucratic delays."

Ferdous Sheikh, a student of he Management Studies Department, voiced similar concern. "This government was built on the sacrifices of the people. If we don't get second campus from  this administration, it will never happen. Twenty thousand students are united on the demand," he said.

The students received support from faculty members and various student organisations. AKM Rakib, President of the JnU Chhatra Odhikar Parishad said, "We supported the movement from the beginning. But despite  promises, nothing concrete materialised."

Asadul Islam, President of JnU Chhatra Shibir, said "We  consistently demanded construction of new campus and residential halls by the army. We  support students' legitimate demands and have submitted a memorandum urging the Vice Chancellor to act swiftly."

Ashiqur Rahman Akash, General Secretary of the JnU Islami Chhatra Andolan demanded construction of the projects by the army. The interim Project Director faces of corruption allegations."

In response, Prof Dr Rezaul Karim, Vice Chancellor said, "We have sent a proposal to the University Grants Commission (UGC) to transfer the project to the military. The process is underway, but we need time." When pressed for a timeline, the Vice-Chancellor replied, "I cannot give a definitive deadline. If I say three days and it takes five, my credibility will be questioned. All I can say is that we are working on it."

Regarding the appointment of a controversial Project Director, he added, "Amirul Islam has been appointed temporarily. If there are allegations against him, the UGC investigation committee will address the issue and we will take necessary action. We are actively working to form the investigation committee."



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