Some students have bought computers for doing word-processing jobs; some are selling pre-paid cards of mobile phones and doing mobile call business. Besides, some students work as commission agents of consumer products, books and magazines.

The female students put their capital mainly in batik and clothes making business.

The students said they meet their daily and educational expenses from the earning. Some of them can send some amount to their families. The amount of capital they invest ranges from Tk 20,000 to 30,000 depending on the type of business.

"I have invested money in computer systems for doing word-processing job. I have been doing it for the last three years with the help of one of my friends," said Sharif Al Mamun, a resident of Salimullah Muslim Hall.

"Computer composed reports, assignments and thesis have high demand. The students need to have their assignments done and submitted on time," said Mamun. Most teachers now want their students submit computer-composed assignments.

"I bought a computer for my personal work, playing songs and watching films. But I found word-processing is an income-generating job. Then I started selling the service," said Tahidul Islam at Surya Sen Hall. He now earns around Tk 5,000 a month.

There are many other students like Tahidul, who do not want to be named, as the authorities will not allow such trade inside the halls. "The provost of our hall several times ordered to stop such commercial activities," said Tahidul.

Some students bought mobile phones and started business by letting others use the phones on payment. This service is available in almost every hall. "Now many of us have started selling prepaid mobile cards and even connections of different mobile companies," said Tarannum Shabnam, a student of Rokeya Hall.

"I have started the phone business with a small capital saved from the money I receive from my family," said Mushfiqur Rahman at Shahidullah Hall.

'Advertisements' are found on the walls and gates of hall buildings, elevators, staircase landings and even inside the toilets on what types of services are available. The ads contain call rates, card prices and connection rates.

"The connection rates are much lower than in the market," Mushfiqur added.

Some students have put their money to become commission agents of magazines, periodicals or books on general knowledge and current affairs, which are sources of information for senior students preparing for competitive examinations.

An English daily newspaper has also its commission agents from among the students. "We help in increasing the newspaper circulation for a commission ranging between 10 and 30 per cent," said Rakib and Tuhin, students of Jasimuddin Hall.

Many girl students have also opened mini, makeshift batik plants, printing and designing dresses for a handsome amount of income.

"I buy cloths, design the dress, tailor them and have then sewed by run-of-the-mill tailors," said Sumaiya Shimu, a student of Rokeya Hall who has been related with this business for about one year. "I make fatua, panjabi and sari with embroidery, appliqué, patchwork or hand-paint," she said.

Some of them also make block-printed dresses. "The products are usually sold to friends and acquaintances," said Raisa Alamgir of Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree Hall.

When contacted for his comments on such kinds of business, Md Mahfuzul Islam, provost of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, expressed his ignorance about it and said he would take necessary steps if he found it true.

However, a house tutor of Salimullah Hall requesting anonymity supported the business. "Many students come from not-so-well-off families and from rural areas. They need money. I appreciate if they are trying to help themselves."