Ahsan Habib
Jahangirnagar University (JU), the country's only fully residential university, steps into its 55th year on 12 January 2025. Looking back on this historic day, teachers and students reflect on the university's long journey marked by both triumphs and tribulations.
The university's establishment stems from a pressing need in the then East Pakistan. By 1966, the region had only five universities, falling short of growing demands for higher education. Responding to calls from leaders and intellectuals for a specialized residential university, the Pakistan government drafted plans through its Education Department. The National Economic Council's Executive Committee approved the initiative in 1965, initially selecting Salna, Gazipur, 40 kilometers away from Dhaka, as the location. Though a foundation stone was laid there, the plans would soon change.
In 1967, the university found its permanent place in Savar, 32 kilometers away from Dhaka. Construction work began on December 27, 1968, with Dr. Surat Ali Khan leading the university project.
The institution was named 'Jahangirnagar Muslim University' on August 20, 1970, combining Dhaka's historical name with Jahangirnagar. Distinguished chemist Professor Mofizuddin Ahmed became its first Vice-Chancellor in September 1970, and East Pakistan's Governor and university Chancellor, Rear Admiral S. M. Ahsan, officially inaugurated the institution in 1971.
While classes began on January 4, 1971, the university chose January 12 as its founding day. Initially operating as a project until 1973, it started with just 150 students and 23 teachers across four departments - Economics, Geography, Mathematics and Statistics. After independence, the university embarked on a fresh journey in early 1972. The University Act, 1973 renamed it 'Jahangirnagar University'. The campus originally spread across 748.14 acres, though this reduced to 697.56 acres after allocating 50 acres to the Bangladesh Public Administration Training Center in 1980.
At present the university has 34 departments under six faculties, alongside specialized institutes including Information Technology (IIT), Business Administration (IBA-JU), Remote Sensing and GIS, and Comparative Literature and Culture. The student body has grown to 14,379 (from batches 47 to 53), with 717 teachers, though over a hundred are currently on leave.
The campus stands as a symbol of consciousness and remembrance. Its grounds feature the country's tallest Shaheed Minar, the 'Amar Ekushey' monument, the fearless 'Sangshaptak', Selim Al Deen Muktamancha, and Zahir Raihan Auditorium. Construction is underway for 'Biplob Chabbish', commemorating the July-August 2024 mass uprising. The university's natural beauty shines through its 26 lakes, which welcome migratory birds each winter.
The university maintains a balance between academic excellence and moral development, exemplified by the Quran and Cultural Studies Club's focus on religious disciplines and ethical education.
Throughout its history, students have actively participated in national movements. From the education reforms during Ershad's regime to the 1990 anti-dictatorship protests, from the landmark anti-sexual harassment movements of 1998-99 to recent quota reforms and anti-rape protests, the university has remained at the forefront of social change. Most notably, during the recent ’24 mass uprising, JU led by example, becoming the first campus to expel banned terrorist groups.
Despite these achievements, challenges persist. The university still lacks several contemporary departments, including applied sciences and engineering. While the recent movement successfully addressed some security concerns, students remain watchful about maintaining campus peace. Research funding continues to be limited, and environmental preservation faces ongoing challenges.
Even though Jahangirnagar University is celebrating its 55th anniversary today, it still lacks a Press Institute to preserve and publish books and thesis papers written by its professors, PhD students, and MPhil scholars.
It is high time the authorities started taking proper care of the campus—particularly its natural beauty—and prepared a new master plan. They must cease construction or planning of any new building or structure in contravention of its master plan.
Jahangirnagar University urgently also needs a specialized medical center as the existing facility fails to provide adequate treatment, evident from recent incidents like a student’s tragic death after inadequate emergency care. Establishing a specialized medical center at JU could significantly improve healthcare access and outcomes for the students.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan emphasizes the significance of recent events: "Our university has witnessed three pivotal moments - 1971, 1990, and 2024. This year brought new independence, and we'll celebrate University Day embracing the spirit of '24. Our collective responsibility now is to carry this spirit forward."
Saturday’s anniversary celebrations include a flag-hoisting ceremony at 10 am, followed by a campus procession. A prayer meeting will honor those affected by recent student movements, with sports and cultural events planned for the afternoon.
Despite all of these challenges, Jahangirnagar University upholds its reputation for academic brilliance by turning out bright graduates and encouraging students to think critically and responsibly.
Ahsan Habib is a student of
Jahangirnagar University and
a Correspondent of The Asian Age.
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