Classes for the first-year (Batch 53) undergraduate students of Jahangirnagar University (JU) for the 2023-24 session have begun.
On Sunday, the entire campus came alive with the footsteps of freshers attending orientation classes across various departments.
Spanning nearly 700 acres, the campus is typically vibrant with events and cultural festivals throughout the year, but on Sunday, the energy was intensified with thousands of new students arriving from different corners of the country.
On the ground, the fresh faces are radiating enthusiasm at every gathering spot on campus.
As dawn broke, students began to gather in their respective departments, excitedly sharing their thoughts about their long-awaited dream campus.
Many expressed relief after overcoming a prolonged period of uncertainty, saying: “Despite the long wait, it’s joyful to finally be here. The overall atmosphere and discipline on campus are impressive. Our dream has come true.”
End of common room, seat crisis era
Despite being recognized as the only officially recognized fully residential university in the country, students have faced hardships due to a shortage of seats in the halls over the past two decades.
However, with the recent opening of six newly constructed halls under a significant development project and after mass movements, the hall administration is now ensuring seats for students.
As a result, the issue of common rooms has completely vanished.
Starting from the first day of classes, new students have been allocated seats, tables, chairs, and other essentials.
However, while seats are assured, some halls still lack adequate academic materials.
Sumaiya Islam Arifa, a student of the Journalism and Media Studies department from Batch 53, shared her concerns prior to arriving, said: “I was really anxious about what kind of room I would get! But now that I’m here, I’m grateful for the beautiful environment I’ve found.”
Nusrat Jahan, a student from the Zoology department, said: “I was very nervous coming here. I wondered how I would cope on my first day away from my family! I’ve never been away from home like this. But the atmosphere here is comforting.”
Professor Muhammad Nazrul Islam, president of the Provost Committee, stated, “Thanks to the continuous efforts of all provosts and the guidance and advice of the new university administration in response to the July Revolution, we have been able to ensure seating for new students in the halls. Consequently, the common room and mini-common room issues have been eliminated. We have also taken effective measures to ensure the overall safety of students.”
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan expressed his delight, saying, “It’s the right of new students to get their seats in their respective halls from day one. We are pleased to have ensured this right. Our administration is committed to providing a conducive educational environment and will sincerely work to enhance facilities for students in the residential halls and academic buildings.”
Rally against ragging, drugs
Additionally, a rally against ragging, substance abuse, and common rooms was held to welcome the new students.
Organized by the university administration, this rally took place on Sunday around 1pm, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan.
The rally commenced from the new administrative building premises, winding through the new arts building and the road adjacent to the Amar Ekushey sculpture, concluding in front of the university's central Shahid Minar.
Faculty deans, staff, and students from various years participated in the rally.
During the event, Vice-Chancellor Kamrul Ahsan said: “We hope to maintain the progress we have made by abolishing common rooms. At the same time, we want to take a strong stance against ragging and drugs. We must ensure that none of our students fall victim to ragging or the horrors of substance abuse. To sustain this progress, we need the cooperation of all stakeholders at the university. I hope those who take charge in the future will remain vigilant on this matter.”
