Jagannath University: 19 years on, progress stalled by infrastructural woes

As Jagannath University (JnU) celebrates its 19th anniversary on October 20, its progress is marred by ongoing infrastructural and academic challenges. Despite nearly two decades since its establishment, the university struggles with development issues that hinder both students and faculty.

Infrastructural Setbacks
A significant concern for the university is its lack of infrastructural growth. Plans for a second campus in Keraniganj have been delayed for years due to setbacks and allegations of corruption, leaving the current Sadarghat campus overcrowded and under-resourced.

The university’s classrooms are often packed, forcing students to wait outside, and it lacks adequate facilities such as common rooms for female students. The shortage of classrooms during exam periods disrupts regular classes, and the central library is severely lacking in academic resources. Students are not allowed to borrow books for home use, nor can they bring their own materials into the library, making research difficult.

Student Frustration
Many students express frustration over the slow progress. Sharifa Akter Soma, from the Mass Communication and Journalism Department, lamented the lack of development, saying, "Jagannath University hasn’t seen real infrastructural progress, and this impacts our learning environment. We don’t have enough classrooms, and delays in the second campus only make things worse."

Maisha Fahmida Islam from the Social Work Department echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the difficulties students face in conducting research due to inadequate facilities.

Faculty Concerns
Faculty members also share these frustrations. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rezaul Karim acknowledged the lack of development and blamed previous administrations, stating, "We’ve initiated the necessary work, but it takes time. We’ve finalized plans, and these issues will be resolved soon."

Associate Professor Raisul Islam from the Mass Communication and Journalism Department emphasized that the infrastructural problems have severely impacted student life, calling for a well-planned development strategy and expanded facilities.

A History of Delayed Progress
Jagannath University, originally established as Dhaka Brahma School in 1863, became a college in 1884 and was transformed into a university in 2005. Despite this long history, the institution has struggled to keep up with the infrastructural needs of a modern university. While it boasts 38 departments, the university has failed to address key developmental challenges, leaving students and faculty waiting for much-needed improvements.