Students of Jahangirnagar University (JU) have demanded the suspension of a Tk25.51 crore road development project until the university’s comprehensive masterplan is finalised, arguing that unplanned construction could harm the campus environment and natural features.
The demand was raised at a human chain program organised under the banner of Jahangirnagar Bachao Andolon in front of the university’s administrative building on Wednesday. Students from different batches took part in the program, moderated by Wali Al Masud, a second-year student of English Department.
Soma Dumri, organiser of Revolutionary Students’ Alliance, said students were not opposed to necessary infrastructure development but wanted all projects to be implemented under a comprehensive masterplan.
“Even if there is an opportunity to wait a few months and carry out the work in a planned manner, why should money be spent on unplanned development? Accountability must be ensured,” she said.
Sajib Ahmed Jenich, organiser of JU unit of Bangladesh Samajtantrik Chhatra Front (Marxist), said students had been campaigning for a comprehensive masterplan for around seven years. “Due to the absence of an integrated masterplan, incidents such as tree felling and filling of water bodies have already occurred on the campus,” he said.
He called for essential infrastructure, including a central sewerage and drainage system, to be developed under a coordinated plan.
Adri Ankur, president of JU unit of the Chhatra Union, said students were protesting the decision to widen roads and construct footpaths and cycle lanes without a comprehensive development plan.
“We want all development works at the university to be carried out under a coordinated and environmentally friendly masterplan,” he said.
Tk 25.51cr road project
The protest comes amid a plan to construct 8.56 kilometres of roads, footpaths and cycle lanes on the campus at a cost of Tk25.51 crore.
Although the university’s masterplan is reportedly nearing completion, members of the masterplan formulation committee have said the road design was not prepared in coordination with the committee.
The project has consequently raised concerns over its compatibility with JU’s long-term development plans and its potential impact on the campus’s environment and natural features.
