As Jagannath University (JnU) marks its 19th anniversary on October 20, the celebrations are overshadowed by long-standing infrastructural and academic issues.
Despite nearly two decades having elapsed since its establishment, the university continues to struggle with inadequate development, hindering both the students’ and faculty’s ability to thrive.
Lack of infrastructural development
One of the university’s most pressing concerns is the lack of progress in its infrastructural development.
Plans for a second campus in Keraniganj have remained incomplete for years, with reports of setbacks and corruption stalling construction.
Meanwhile, the current Sadarghat campus is cramped, lacking basic facilities for thousands of its students.
The limited budget allocation for research has exacerbated the university’s academic shortcomings.
Despite offering 38 departments, classrooms are overcrowded, with students often forced to wait outside until space becomes available.
The university also lacks common rooms for female students, and where such spaces do exist, they are insufficiently furnished.
During exam periods, the shortage of classrooms disrupts regular class schedules across departments.
The central library, along with departmental seminar rooms, is another area of concern.
There is a severe shortage of academic books, and students are not allowed to borrow them for home use.
Furthermore, students cannot bring their own books into the library, nor are there any photocopying facilities.
These limitations place an additional burden on students, particularly those who rely on the library for research.
Student perspectives
Many students express frustration with the university’s lack of progress.
Sharifa Akter Soma, a student in the Mass Communication and Journalism Department, lamented the persistent issues, saying: “Jagannath University has not seen any real infrastructural development, and the internal problems continue to deprive us of a conducive learning environment. Despite having so many departments, there aren’t enough classrooms, and we often have to wait outside for our turn. The slow progress of the second campus has only made these challenges worse.”
Maisha Fahmida Islam, a student of the Social Work Department, shared similar concerns.
“Many students here aspire to conduct research, but the lack of proper facilities pushes them to seek opportunities elsewhere. The reading rooms are inadequate, often used for classes and exams, and there is no meaningful collection of books in the library,” she said.
Faculty insights
Faculty members also share the concerns of the students.
Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Dr Rezaul Karim said that the lack of infrastructural development over the past 19 years is due to the negligence of previous university administrations.
"We have initiated all necessary work, but everything takes time. However, we have already finalized all plans, and the infrastructural issues will be resolved very soon. Some problems are beyond our control, but we have also considered alternative solutions. I hope to address all the issues one by one."
Associate Professor Raisul Islam from the Mass Communication and Journalism Department noted that the infrastructural shortcomings have severely affected student life.
“After 19 years, it’s disheartening that the university still faces issues like overcrowded classrooms, limited washrooms, and only one cafeteria for the entire student body,” he said.
Raisul Islam emphasized the need for a well-planned development strategy. “We must expand the number of classrooms to meet the needs of the growing student population. Additional cafeterias, equipped with diverse food options, are essential. The university should seek support from the government, private donors, and alumni to address these critical issues.”
A history of stalled progress
Jagannath University’s long history is marked by both achievements and setbacks.
Originally founded as Dhaka Brahma School in 1863, it was renamed Jagannath School in 1872 in honor of its founder, Jagannath Roy Chowdhury.
In 1884, it was upgraded to a college, and in 1887, the school and college branches were separated on the instructions of the education department.
With the establishment of Dhaka University, admission to undergraduate programs at the college was suspended, and it was then known as "Jagannath Intermediate College."
Throughout most of the 20th century, it was known as Jagannath College.
To remove barriers to women's education in Old Dhaka, co-education was introduced in 1942 but discontinued in 1948.
In 1949, undergraduate education resumed at the college. It was nationalized in 1968 but regained its private status the following year. In 1975, postgraduate courses were introduced.
From the 1991-92 academic year, the educational activities of the Government Jagannath College came under the affiliation of National University instead of Dhaka University.
On October 20, 2005, this college was transformed into a university.
Having become Jagannath College in 1884, the institution was transformed into Jagannath University in 2005.
However, even after 19 years as a university, it has been unable to keep pace with the infrastructural demands of a modern higher education institution.
