JnU Students Persist with Protests Over 3-Point Demand
Jagannath University (JnU) students continued their protest for the second consecutive day on Thursday, pressing home a three-point demand. Following an all-day demonstration on Wednesday, the students staged a sit-in at the Kakrail Mosque intersection throughout the night. Since Thursday morning, more students have been arriving at the protest site by university buses to join the movement.
A visit to the Kakrail area near the Chief Adviser’s residence, Jamuna, on Thursday (May 15) morning revealed the ongoing protest.
On the ground, it was observed that students had blocked the road from Matsya Bhaban towards Kakrail by setting up barricades, halting vehicular movement along the route. Protesters were seen chanting slogans at the Kakrail intersection in front of the Kakrail Mosque, while some sat in the middle of the road.
Meanwhile, security around the Chief Adviser’s residence was visibly heightened, with a notable presence of law enforcement personnel due to the ongoing demonstration.
Earlier, on Tuesday (May 13) afternoon, a delegation comprising student and teacher representatives visited the University Grants Commission (UGC) to present their demands. However, as the UGC failed to provide a satisfactory response, students announced a "Long March to Jamuna" programme. The programme was declared by the platform “July Unity,” which includes active political, social, and cultural organizations from the university.
Subsequently, on Wednesday (May 14), as students proceeded past Matsya Bhaban and reached the Kakrail Mosque intersection during the long march, clashes erupted between police and the marching students and teachers.
Many protesters were injured during the incident and were taken to hospitals following police baton charges and the use of tear gas. Among the injured were Professor Dr Md Rois Uddin, General Secretary of the University Teachers’ Association; Nasir Uddin, teacher of the English Department; Belal, teacher of the History Department; Assistant Proctor Naim Siddiqui; and Mahatab Hossain Limon, General Secretary of the JnU Journalists' Association — along with at least 30 students who received treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).
Following the clash, Professor Dr Md Rois Uddin said, “We will continue our sit-in here until justice is served for the police attack on students and our demands are met.”
Jagannath University Proctor Professor Dr Tajammul Haque stated, “Police have attacked my teachers and students. Even my assistant proctor was assaulted. Police have acted inhumanely against a just student movement. We will not leave until justice is done.”
