Students at Jagannath University (JnU) are preparing to protest, demanding action on three key issues related to the second campus project. The students confirmed their plans for the protest on Thursday, highlighting their frustrations with ongoing delays.
Their demands are:
1. Accountability for the Project Director: The corrupt project director appointed during the previous regime must face legal consequences. A competent military officer should replace him within seven days.
2. Official transfer announcement: The Ministry of Education needs to officially announce the transfer of the second campus project to the military, outline the transfer process, and prioritize the construction of dormitories.
3. Land acquisition and contract cancellation: Immediate steps must be taken to acquire the remaining 11 acres of land for the second campus. Additionally, all unethical agreements related to the old campus made during the previous regime should be annulled.
Sohan Pramanik, a student from the Islamic Studies department, voiced his concerns: “After the 2024 mass uprising, we united to demand a vice-chancellor from our university. We believed this would ensure our rights.
However, the administration continues to ignore our legitimate demands. Every student wants the second campus project to be handed over to the military for swift implementation.
Six years have passed, and the land acquisition is still incomplete. Since the new VC took over, there have been no efforts to expedite the process. As we reach our breaking point, we will take to the streets to claim our rights, Insha’Allah, and we will protest until our demands are met.”
Another student, Tawsif Mahmud Sohan, shared similar sentiments. “Even after six years, the land acquisition for the second campus is unfinished. Although the government has changed, the same officials are still involved.
There have been no initiatives from the administration to kickstart the project since the new VC's arrival. I believe transferring the project to the military will accelerate progress.”
In 2016, the government announced plans for a new 200-acre campus in Keraniganj in response to intense student protests. However, after seven years, progress remains minimal, leading students to insist on a transfer of the project to the military for faster completion.
