Published: 09:06 AM, 16 May 2025
JnU protesters announce campus shutdown
Students of teachers of Jagannath University protest at the Kakrail Mosque area in Dhaka on Thursday. -Md Mostafijur Rahman
The protesting students and teachers of Jagannath University on Thursday announced a 'shutdown' on the campus to press home their three-point demand.
Prof Dr Rais Uddin, general secretary of the university's Teachers' Association, announced the programme following a meeting with protesting students.
"No classes or exams will take place until our demands are met. We did not come to conspire. We came to demand justice for our students, who were attacked without cause. This shutdown will continue until our demands are fulfilled," he said.
He said, "Any attempt to remove us from here won't work. No one can hurt my students in front of my eyes."
Meanwhile, students of JnU have continued their blockade at the capital's Kakrail intersection for the second consecutive day on Thursday, demanding the fulfillment of their now four-point demand.
They have vowed to continue the sit-in until the government issues a clear and official response.
Earlier in the day, Prof Rais Uddin went on Facebook Live calling on students and teachers to join the protest. In response, at least five buses carrying teachers arrived at the scene in Kakrail.
The demands are:
" Housing allowances for 70 percent of students until accommodation is ensured.
" Full approval of the proposed budget for Jagannath University without any cuts.
" Approval of the university's second campus project in the next ECNEC meeting and its implementation on a priority basis.
The protesters added another demand to the list on Thursday, alleging a "police attack" on the demonstration.
Their new demand calls for an inquiry into the police attack on the students on Wednesday and the punishment for those involved.
The protest escalated after a planned long march on Wednesday morning turned violent when law enforcement intervened.
