Jahangirnagar University campus has come under scrutiny after laboratory tests detected iron levels higher than the permissible limit in tapped hall water.
According to tests conducted at the Wazed Miah Science Research Centre, water samples collected from National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall contained 66.5 ppm of iron—far exceeding the World Health Organization’s permissible limit of 0.3 ppm, putting nearly 1,000 students at risk. A comparative test of Mir Mosharraf Hossain Hall found iron levels at 3 ppm, slightly above the recommended standard.
Senior Scientific Officer Khairul Islam of the Wazed Miah Science Research Centre said that tests of water from Mir Mosharraf Hossain Hall and National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall showed extremely high iron levels in the latter, posing health risks.
University authorities said further testing in six additional halls is underway, and measures, including pump relocation or alternative solutions, will be considered urgently.
Professor Dr Sohel Ahmed, Additional Director of the University Engineering Office and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration), said the initial test results are highly concerning. The university will retest water from six more halls with expert assistance, considering pump relocation or alternative solutions if necessary, he added.
