JNU students protest in front of the Secretariat over a three-point demand

After issuing a one-hour ultimatum for the fulfillment of their three demands, Jagannath University (JnU) students began their march towards the Secretariat at 4 pm on Monday. Earlier, the University Grants Commission (UGC) had informed the Ministry about the decision to hand over the second campus project of JnU to the army, with a meeting scheduled for Wednesday to finalize the process in accordance with proper procedures.

At 3 pm, JnU’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Md Rezaul Karim, spoke to journalists, stating that the student movement had expedited the process, significantly advancing the work. The meeting on Wednesday will review the project’s status, finalize decisions, and address other demands across various sectors.

Meanwhile, the students made additional demands, including the immediate formal agreement to hand over the second campus to the army, completing it through a special meeting if necessary, and publicly announcing the decision. They also called for written assurances from the Ministry and relevant authorities to avoid further delays.

Furthermore, the students demanded the commencement and completion of the construction of Bani Bhaban and Dr. Habibur Rahman Hall’s steel-based buildings, along with housing allowances for 70% of the student body until temporary accommodations are arranged.

A notice issued by Ahmed Shibli, Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education, confirmed a steering committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday at 11:30 am at the Secretariat. The meeting's agenda includes the transfer of the project to the Bangladesh Army, a review of progress, and further discussions on other matters.

Professor Dr. Sabina Sharmin, Treasurer of JnU, mentioned that officials from the Ministry of Education, UGC, and the army would be present at the meeting to finalize decisions and lay out a roadmap for moving forward.

The JnU Teachers’ Association expressed its solidarity with the student movement. In a press conference on Monday, General Secretary Professor Dr. Rois Uddin stated that the association fully supports the students' demands and urged the Ministry and government to take immediate action to end the discrimination faced by JnU students in comparison to other public universities.

On Sunday, students began a hunger strike as part of their three-point movement, which included the second campus handover to the army, temporary housing for students, and housing allowances for at least 70% of students until proper accommodations are provided. After delivering their one-hour ultimatum on Monday, the students began their march towards the Secretariat at 4 pm.

Previously, they had warned of besieging the Secretariat if Ministry and army officials failed to meet with the university administration by 1:30 pm. Despite a letter issued at 2 pm regarding the handover, students insisted on amendments and refused to end their hunger strike without written commitments. When these demands were unmet, they proceeded with their mass march.