11 Jagannath University Students Begin Hunger Strike Over Campus Demands
On Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 8:30 AM, 11 students of Jagannath University (JnU) launched a hunger strike in front of the university’s Shaheed Minar. Their demands? the immediate handover of the university’s second campus project to the army and the provision of temporary accommodation for students.
The students, representing various departments, vowed to continue their protest until their demands are met. “We have decided to fast to death,” thay declared, emphasizing their resolve.
The Catalyst for the Protest
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The hunger strike follows a series of meetings between the students, university advisors, the University Grants commission,and the university administration. During these discussions, it was reportedly stated that there were no objections from the ministry or the commission regarding the handover of the second campus project to the army. However, the students claim that the administration has failed to act decisively.“We have given reasonable time to the administration,” the students stated. “They will give results within a specified time. after that meeting, I met with the administration several times and asked for updates. I continue to work, I have sent a letter, trust us, the administration is limited to those words. Since they say nothing beyond this, we have decided to fast to death.”
Who Are the Protesters?
The hunger strike includes students from diverse academic backgrounds, united by their shared demands. Among them are:
- AKM rakib, president of the Chhatra Odhikar Parishad branch and a 13th-year student of the Botany Department.
- Ferdous Sheikh, a 16th-year student of the Management Department.
- Taohidul Islam, Organizing Secretary of the Chhatra odhikar Parishad branch and a 15th-year Philosophy student.
- Faisal murad, a 15th-year Management student.
- Md. Rashidul Islam,a 14th-year Journalism student.
The full list of participants underscores the widespread support for the movement across departments and academic years.
A Broader Context
This protest is not an isolated incident. Earlier, JnU students staged a sit-in in front of the Secretariat, pressing for similar demands.The recurring theme in these protests is the call for the army’s involvement in the second campus project,which students believe will expedite its completion and ensure better management.
Key Demands at a Glance
to provide a clear overview,here’s a summary of the students’ demands:
| Demand | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Handover of Second Campus | transfer the second campus project to the army for faster completion. |
| temporary Accommodation | provide immediate housing solutions for students. |
| Administrative Accountability | Ensure timely updates and action from the university administration. |
A Call to action
The students’ hunger strike highlights the urgency of their demands and the need for immediate action.As the protest continues, the university administration faces mounting pressure to address these concerns.
For more updates on this developing story, follow our coverage and stay informed about the latest developments at Jagannath University.
The students’ unwavering resolve serves as a reminder of the power of collective action.Will their demands be met, or will the hunger strike escalate further? Only time will tell.
Interview: jagannath University Hunger Strike and the Call for Army Involvement in Campus Project
On january 12, 2025, 11 students from Jagannath University (JnU) began a hunger strike demanding the immediate handover of the university’s second campus project to the army and the provision of temporary accommodation for students. The protest has drawn widespread attention, raising questions about administrative accountability and the role of the military in public projects. To shed light on the situation, we spoke with Dr. Farhana Ahmed, a renowned expert in higher education policy and student movements in South Asia.
The Catalyst for the Hunger Strike
Dr. Farhana Ahmed: The hunger strike is the culmination of prolonged frustration among students. They’ve been pushing for the handover of the second campus project to the army, believing it will expedite construction and ensure better management. Despite assurances from the University Grants Commission and the ministry, the administration has been slow to act. This lack of decisive action has left students feeling unheard, prompting them to take such drastic measures.
The Role of the Army in Public Projects
Dr. Farhana Ahmed: The army is often seen as a highly efficient and disciplined institution in Bangladesh,capable of completing large-scale projects swiftly. Students believe that involving the army will ensure clarity and timely completion of the second campus. This isn’t unprecedented—similar projects, like infrastructure developments, have been successfully managed by the military in the past. The students’ demand reflects their trust in the army’s ability to deliver results where the administration has faltered.
Administrative Accountability and Student Frustration
Dr.farhana Ahmed: It’s a classic case of bureaucratic inertia. While the administration has held meetings and made promises, there’s been little tangible progress. Students have repeatedly sought updates, only to be met with vague assurances. This lack of accountability has fueled their frustration. The hunger strike is a desperate attempt to force the administration to prioritize their demands and act with urgency.
The broader Context of Student Protests
Dr. Farhana Ahmed: Student activism has a long history in bangladesh,frequently enough serving as a catalyst for broader social and political change. The current protest is part of a larger pattern where students are increasingly holding institutions accountable for unmet promises. Earlier, JnU students staged a sit-in at the Secretariat, highlighting similar issues. These protests underscore the growing demand for transparency and efficiency in public projects, especially in higher education.
The Way Forward
Dr. Farhana Ahmed: First, the administration needs to engage in genuine dialog with the students, providing clear timelines and actionable plans. Transparency is key—students need to see concrete steps being taken. Second, involving the army, as demanded, could be a viable solution, but it must be done in a way that respects the university’s autonomy. there needs to be a long-term strategy to address systemic issues in project management and communication to prevent such crises in the future.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Farhana ahmed: This hunger strike is a stark reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of listening to student voices.While the immediate focus is on resolving the current crisis, it’s also an chance for the administration to reflect on its processes and build a more responsive and accountable system. The students’ resolve is commendable, and I hope their demands are met before the situation escalates further.
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