Snake scare at JU dorm

Students at Mir Mosharraf Hossain Hall of Jahangirnagar University are living in fear of snakes as at least 13 snakes were found at the hall till yesterday.

Eleven of the snakes -- cobra and checkered keelback (locally known as dhora) -- were killed while two baby snakes were recovered yesterday.

Students said they found the snakes in the balconies, washrooms and different rooms of their dormitory.

Ryshad Rashed, a fourth-year student of management and a resident of the hall, said, “We are living with constant fear of snakes. We cannot sleep soundly and walk inside the hall.”

“The hall authorities should take steps to solve the problem, otherwise, a serious accident may occur anytime,” he added.

Prof Kamrul Hasan of zoology, who visited the hall yesterday, said more snake holes could be found in the hall as some baby snakes were found.”

“Cobras are very venomous. It can kill people,” he added.

Contacted, JU acting chief Medical Hospital officer Dr Mozeza Zohura said, “We do not have any anti-venom medicine in our medical centre. After primary treatment, we refer snakebite victims to other hospitals for better treatment.”

Prof Shafi Mohammad Tareq, provost of the hall, said they have already taken some initiatives like spreading carbolic acid, cleaning the dorm and mending the holes of the walls.