A reunion of friends at JU

After a long wait of 18 months, all residential halls of Jahangirnagar University (JU) reopened yesterday.

After gates opened around 9am, students of both master's and honours programmes, who received at least one Covid jab, started moving into their respective halls.

Authorities greeted them with flowers, masks, hand sanitisers and snacks amidst a festive atmosphere.

A special vaccination centre has also been set up on the university campus.

At 10:30am, Professor Meerjady Sabrina Flora, additional director general (planning and development) of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), inaugurated the vaccination drive at Wazed Mia Science Research Centre. JU Pro Vice-Chancellor (academic) Nurul Alam, treasurer Rasheda Akhter, acting registrar Rahima Kaneez, acting proctor ASM Firoz-ul-Hasan were present, among others.

Sadia Farha Liza, a student of Department of Urban and Regional Planning, said, "We've waited for so long to return to the halls. Retuning to campus is certainly exciting, and getting vaccinated on campus is a bonus."

However, due to a decision by the university syndicate, not all first-year students are now able to move into the halls. After discussing with their hall superintendents, those who have completed their first year exam and received at least one dose of vaccine will be able to move in, Prof Md Mujibur Rahman, chairman of JU's provost committee, told The Daily Star.

The authorities plan to resume in-person classes from October 21, alongside the ongoing online academic activities.