Public university authorities have sought Tk30 crore in compensation for damages incurred during the student-led quota reform movement, submitting their claims to the University Grants Commission (UGC).
A total of 11 public universities have already submitted their tentative estimations of losses.
Jahangirnagar University reported the highest losses at Tk15 crore, followed by Dhaka University with Tk4.93 crore, Rajshahi University (RU) with Tk4.5 crore, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) with Tk3.20 crore, University of Barishal with Tk50 lakh, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (Sust) with Tk56 lakh, Bangladesh Open University with Tk55 lakh, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University with Tk2 lakh, Islamic Arabic University (IAU) with Tk50,000, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) with Tk10,000, and Khulna Agricultural University (KAU) with Tk10,000.
According to the report, Jahangirnagar University reported damage to furniture and electrical equipment in 225 rooms across 10 dormitories, two gates of the vice-chancellor’s office, three air conditioners, window glass, 56 CCTV cameras in various buildings, and eight vehicles.
Dhaka University reported damage including fire-related destruction in student rooms, administrative building doors and windows, gates, ceiling fans, and switchboards.
Begum Rokeya University reported damage to 10 air coolers, the VC office and residence, 50 CCTV cameras, five gates, light posts, and various buildings.
Rajshahi University reported damage to furniture and electrical equipment in 10 dormitories and the administrative building.
Bangladesh Open University reported damage including two LED screens, two CCTV cameras, and glass and frames of several building windows.
The rest of the universities also reported similar damages.
Speaking with Dhaka Tribune, UGC Secretary Prof Dr Ferdous Zaman said that the commission has received damage reports from the universities. The universities have requested budget allocations based on the reported damages.
However, the commission will send a detailed list to the Ministry of Education and, subject to approval, will allocate funds accordingly to the affected institutions.
According to the UGC, in the last fiscal year, the commission approved a budget of Tk11,690.04 crore for the 55 public universities, including Tk188.64 crore for research. The commission itself allocated Tk87.40 crore beyond its own budget.
