Over 12,000 students, 2 functional ambulances

"A friend of mine needed immediate medical attention, for which we asked for an ambulance that would take us to Savar's Enam Medical College Hospital. When we contacted the medical centre, duty doctor Shyamol Kumar Shil told us they only have two functional ambulances -- one had a requisition by a teacher, another one was already at Enam Medical," said Mehedi Khan, a student of business administration.

According to Jahangirnagar University's transportation office, there are currently five functional ambulances at the campus. However, when it comes to the students, only two are available for their emergencies.

On the other hand, two new ambulances are lying unused at the transportation office.

Jahidul Islam Tuhin, a mathematics major, had to go through similar experiences with the ambulance service.

"I called for an ambulance and they told me they only had two, both of which were busy on duty," said Tuhin.

This correspondent visited the transportation office and saw two new ambulances lying non-operational, covered in layers of dust.

Asked, transportation in-charge Prof Ali Azam mentioned the university currently has five operational ambulances. "Two new ambulances have been purchased on February 16," he added.

JU chief medical officer Dr Shamsur Rahman told this correspondent that they have placed their demands regarding ambulances in several meetings. However, Prof Ali Azam said no one asked him for an ambulance. "I will book one as soon as someone asks."

Requesting anonymity, a top official at JU told this correspondent that often the authorities show the lack of available drivers for the mismanagement.

"This is not a valid excuse. We have eight drivers against only two operational ambulances for 15,000 campus residents, including over 12,000 students" said the official.

"This mismanagement only goes on to show how little the authorities care about our lives. A university cannot keep being operated like this," said Rakibul Rony, president of Bangladesh Student Union's JU chapter.

Contacted, JU pro-VC (admin) Monjurul Haq said, "I just got to know about the issue. I will look into it."