Jagannath University Students Rally to Demand Military Oversight on Second Campus Project

Students of Jagannath University stage a sit-in at the Education Building, calling for swift action on their demands for transparency and progress on the university's second campus.

In a large demonstration, over 2,000 students from Jagannath University (JnU) gathered under the banner of "General Students" on Monday, November 11, to protest and present a three-point demand for expedited work on the university's second campus. The protest included a march, culminating in a sit-in at the crossroads outside the Education Building at 1 p.m.

One of the protest organizers, A.K.M. Rakib, announced that students would submit a memorandum to the Ministry of Education, demanding action within three working days. Members of the university's branch of the Student Shibir were also present in support of the students’ cause.

The students’ three-point demand centers around the following:

1. Removal of Corrupt Officials and Appointment of Military Oversight: They demand that the current project director, appointed during a past administration and accused of corruption, be held accountable under the law. They further request that a competent military officer be appointed as the new project director within seven days.

2. Clear Handover Announcement and Outline: The students call for a formal announcement from the Ministry of Education confirming the transfer of the second campus project to military oversight. They also demand a transparent, prioritized roadmap for the campus construction, with a focus on building student dormitories.

3. Land Acquisition and Revocation of Unethical Contracts: Students urge the acquisition of the remaining 11 acres of land for the campus and the cancellation of all controversial agreements made during prior administrations concerning the university’s old campus.

These demands reflect the students’ commitment to accountability and progress for their university. The demonstration underscores their insistence on institutional transparency and support for the advancement of the university’s infrastructure.