Jagannath University (JnU) students held a demonstration in front of the Secretariat on Monday after a one-hour ultimatum for meeting their three demands.
Eariler, The University Grants Commission (UGC) informed the Ministry about handing over Jagannath University's (JnU) second campus project to the army, with a meeting scheduled on Wednesday to finalize the process following proper procedures.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Md Rezaul Karim, told journalists at 3pm on Monday that the student movement has accelerated the process, significantly progressing the work.
The meeting will analyze the project’s status, make final decisions, and discuss other demands in various sectors.
Students, meanwhile, announced new demands, including an immediate agreement to hand over the second campus to the army, completing it through a special meeting if necessary, and presenting it publicly.
They also demanded written commitments from the Ministry and authorities to avoid delays.
Additionally, the students insisted on starting and completing the construction of Bani Bhaban and Dr Habibur Rahman Hall’s steel-based buildings and providing housing allowances for 70% of students until temporary housing arrangements are made.
A notice signed by Ahmed Shibli, Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education, confirmed a steering committee meeting on Wednesday at 11:30am at the Secretariat.
The agenda includes handing over the project to the Bangladesh Army, reviewing progress, and discussing other matters.
Professor Dr Sabina Sharmin, Treasurer of JnU, said the meeting would include officials from the Ministry of Education, UGC, and the army to finalize decisions and outline a roadmap.
The JnU Teachers’ Association has expressed solidarity with the ongoing student movement. At a press conference on Monday, General Secretary Professor Dr. Rois Uddin said the association supports all the students’ demands and urged the Ministry and government to act immediately to end the discrimination against JnU students compared to other public universities.
On Sunday, students began a hunger strike as part of their three-point movement, which includes the second campus handover to the army, temporary housing for students, and housing allowances for at least 70% of students until accommodations are arranged.
After issuing a one-hour ultimatum to meet these demands, JnU students began marching towards the Secretariat at 4pm on Monday.
They had earlier warned of besieging the Secretariat if ministry and army officials failed to meet the university administration by 1:30pm.
Despite a letter issued at 2pm regarding the handover, students insisted on amendments and refused to end their hunger strike without written commitments.
When these demands were not met, they proceeded with their mass march.