Students of Jagannath University (JnU) ended their 35-hour-long hunger strike on Monday evening after receiving written assurances from the Ministry of Education regarding their demands. The announcement to withdraw the strike was made by AKM Rakib, a student of the Botany Department, during a press conference at 7:00 PM.

Earlier in the day, around 4:00 PM, the students began a march from the university campus toward the Secretariat. By 4:45 PM, they reached the Secretariat gates, accompanied by several sick students who participated while receiving intravenous fluids on rickshaws. Over 500 students joined the march in solidarity with those on hunger strike.

During the press conference, Rakib announced that the ministry had committed to signing an agreement with the army to transfer the second campus project by Wednesday. Additionally, there were written promises for constructing temporary steel-based buildings at Bani Bhaban and Dr. Habibur Rahman Hall. The ministry also assured that discussions would be held regarding providing allowances to 70% of the students. Based on these commitments, the students decided to call off the hunger strike.

However, Rakib added that all academic and administrative activities at the university would remain suspended until the meeting scheduled for Wednesday took place.

Prior to receiving the ministry’s assurances, the students staged a protest outside the Secretariat, chanting slogans demanding immediate action. Their chants included calls for revolutionary action and criticized delays in fulfilling their demands.

Earlier in the day, a letter issued by the Ministry of Education stated that a meeting would be held on Wednesday to discuss transferring the second campus project to the army. Upon receiving the letter, the students placed three additional demands, which included immediate signing of the agreement with the army, construction of temporary accommodation buildings at the designated locations, and provision of housing allowances for students until permanent housing is established.

On Monday morning, the students expanded their protest by locking down the university’s main gate and academic buildings, including the Shahid Sajjad Academic Building and Rafiq Bhaban. As part of the shutdown, all academic and administrative activities were suspended, with no classes or exams taking place.

Treasurer of the university, Professor Dr. Sabina Sharmin, expressed hope that the students’ dedication and sacrifices would expedite the progress of the second campus project. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Rezaul Karim acknowledged the impact of the students’ movement, stating that it had significantly accelerated the process. He confirmed that project updates and other related demands would be discussed in Wednesday’s meeting to reach a final resolution.

The hunger strike began on Sunday morning at 8:30 AM, with around 14 students reportedly hospitalized due to health complications. Despite repeated requests from the university administration, the students remained steadfast in their demands, finally ending their protest after receiving the ministry’s written commitments.