JnU students boycott classes, exams

Jagannath University students bring out a procession on the campus in the capital yesterday demanding recovery of 10 of their halls from illegal occupation. Their movement started on February 12, with the demand for the return of Tibet Hall, allegedly occupied by Awami League leader Haji Mohammad Selim. Photo: Star

Jagannath University (JnU) students yesterday boycotted classes, examinations and kept the three entrances to the campus locked for nearly three hours, demanding recovery of what they claimed to be their 11 dormitories from illegal occupation.
They burnt around 20 tyres at different points on the Sadarghat-Gulistan-Jatrabari road, blocking traffic and creating panic among people in the neighbourhoods.
The demonstration started at 10:00am and continued till 2:00pm, said police. During the period, the protesters allowed none but teachers and staff to enter the campus.
Talking to The Daily Star, many of the students, who live far away from the campus, said it was very difficult to continue their study braving terrible traffic jam every day.
Amid such a situation, the university dormitories have remained occupied by outsiders for years, causing acute accommodation problem, said the protesters.
Vice Chancellor Mizanur Rahman said they were concerned over the agitation, and informed the government authorities about the accommodation problem.
“I have informed different ministries, including land, about the illegal occupation of the dormitories. I hope a solution will come out soon,” he told The Daily Star.
The agitated students said they would continue their demonstration until their halls were returned. Sirajul Islam, general secretary of JnU unit Bangladesh Chhatra League, said they would besiege the administrative building this morning as part of their continuous agitation.
The university students started the movement on February 12, demanding the return of Tibet Hall, allegedly occupied by Awami League leader Haji Mohammad Selim.