Jagannath University: A Saga of Sacrifices and Pursuit for Justice

Jagannath University, one of the most renowned educational institutions in the history of Bengal, had a humble beginning as Brahmo School in a small room on the ground floor of a house in Old Dhaka’s Armanitola. If we turn the pages of history, the year was 1863. At a time when British rule dominated the land, figures like Dinanath Sen and other great minds stepped forward to promote education. Although established as Brahmo School, it was open to people of all religions and backgrounds. This tuition-free school was eventually handed over to Kishorilal Ray Chowdhury, the zamindar of Manikganj, out of necessity. He relocated the school from Armanitola to its present location and named it after his father, Jagannath Ray Chowdhury.

From its inception, Jagannath School proved its excellence, with students securing top positions multiple times in the entrance exams of Calcutta University. Inspired by this extraordinary achievement, Kishorilal Ray Chowdhury decided to transform the school into a college. In 1884, it became a higher secondary college, and in 1986, it was officially recognized as a government college. However, the journey was not without challenges. When Dhaka University was established in 1921, facing a shortage of students, Jagannath College voluntarily ceased its undergraduate programs. Not only did it contribute students, but it also provided teachers and even a vast collection of books from its library to Dhaka University.

After the partition of India in 1947, Jagannath College resumed its undergraduate education. Despite a 25-year break in student enrollment, the institution never lost its prestige. As a mark of gratitude, Dhaka University named two of its halls after Jagannath College and Dhaka College—Jagannath Hall and Dhaka Hall.

Jagannath College played a remarkable role in promoting women's education, a fact that is now difficult to trace in history. In 1942, the then-principal, Shailendranath Ghosh, enrolled his own daughter in the science program, marking the first step toward women's access to science education at the college level in Dhaka. This was the first initiative in Dhaka city to allow women to study science at the college level.

Shailendranath Ghosh was also the same visionary who, alongside Taraknath Das, helped establish India's provisional government abroad, petitioning various nations for India's independence. It is worth noting that at the time, Bangladesh was still part of the Indian subcontinent.

Many are unaware that in 1968, a portion of Jagannath College was retained as a science college at its current location, while another part was relocated to Mohakhali and renamed Jinnah College, which is now known as Titumir College. This decision was met with strong opposition from the public, leading to the resignation of several college teachers. In fact, the first demand in the historic 11-point movement of student activists in 1967 was the cancellation of this partial nationalization of Jagannath College. While Jinnah College was not abolished, the authorities were forced to reinstate the arts and commerce courses at Jagannath College due to student pressure.

Originally established as a tuition-free school, Jagannath College later became a beacon of higher education for middle-class, lower-middle-class, and underprivileged families across the country.

Public expectations for Jagannath College continued to grow, leading to student-led demands for its elevation to university status. Responding to this pressure, then-Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia announced on November 2, 1995, that Jagannath College would be transformed into Jagannath University. However, it took another decade of movements and protests before the institution finally began operating as a full-fledged university in 2006. The first vice-chancellor of the university was Professor Dr. Sirajul Islam Khan.

Jagannath University has etched its name in the history of Bengal with blood and sacrifice. During the Language Movement, one of its most well-known martyrs, Rafique, gave his life for the cause. On March 26, 1971, Pakistani forces attacked the university, and during the Liberation War, they carried out mass killings on its grounds. After the war, several truckloads of human skeletons were recovered from identified mass graves within the campus.

From 1982 onwards, influential local leaders began occupying student halls. The first to be taken over was the Kurmitola Student Hostel, followed by 84 GL Partha Lane, the halls behind Star Cinema in Wiseghat, and Kumartuli. Out of 14 student halls, only three remained under university control, while the rest fell into the hands of police and swere demolished and replaced with a mosque and the Faculty of Arts.

Currently, the university operates with seven faculties, 38 departments, and two institutes, educating approximately 18,000 students.

More than 700 teachers serve at the university, but they lack proper housing facilities. Every morning, they must wait for university buses, and if all teachers are present, seating shortages become an issue. Many travel long distances to reach the university, only to leave by the 4 PM bus. As a result, they cannot spend time outside the classroom on campus, nor can they dedicate sufficient time to research. If they stay late, they must rely on overcrowded local buses, which is far from ideal for university professors.

Additionally, there is insufficient funding for research, limiting opportunities for faculty members to expand their knowledge and experience. While there is a dormitory for teachers, its living conditions are far from adequate. Not only is transportation a challenge, but the overall teaching environment lacks the necessary support for effective education.

Yet, the Journey Continues. From securing scholarships to studying abroad to making a mark in the country, Jagannath University students continue to thrive with pride. Despite having a small campus and no residential halls, they move forward, carrying the university’s name with honor both nationally and internationally. Overcoming all obstacles, Jagannath University students shine despite limited institutional facilities.

Time and again, students have taken to the streets to demand their rights. Jagannath College, once home to 24 student halls, suddenly found itself without any. Due to administrative negligence and political self-interest, even after two decades, Jagannath University has only one dormitory for female students, while the rest remain nonexistent.

Despite lacking the privileges of university life, Jagannath University students carry an unwavering courage to serve their country. From Rafique’s sacrifice in the Language Movement of 1952 to the mass killings of 1971 and Sajid’s role in the uprising of 2024, Jagannath University students have repeatedly given their lives for the nation. Yet, how much of this history is truly remembered remains uncertain.

Here are statements from key individuals regarding the university’s ongoing crisis—

Students will always be my first and highest priority. It’s not just the housing crisis—they face numerous challenges every day. As an academic guardian, my foremost responsibility is to understand my students and stand by them. That’s exactly what I did during the recent hall movement.

I see myself as their guardian first. Leaving them behind was never an option. My presence reassured them, and that’s why I stood with them. However, now the students must work hard. The temporary hall operations have begun. We are satisfied with the government’s decision and have received assurances of positive developments. We must move forward with trust and determination.

Jagannath University’s journey has been one of perseverance and resilience. In its early years, students struggled with inadequate housing, forced to seek shelter in rented spaces or with relatives. As enrollment grew, the absence of a structured residential plan turned finding accommodation into a challenge, affecting academic life.

A university hall is more than just a place to stay—it nurtures discipline, leadership, cultural growth, and intellectual engagement. Many promising students have faced setbacks due to housing insecurity, yet their determination remains unshaken. Their movement for proper student halls is justified—education must come with a foundation of stability and security.

I wholeheartedly advocate for a well-planned, university-owned housing system and structured policies for mess-based accommodation, ensuring students not only have a place to stay but a space to thrive. Any movement for rights must be grounded in logic, carried forward with dignity, and fueled by the vision of a better future. Jagannath University is a remarkable name in the fight for rights. From the very beginning, it has faced numerous challenges, repeatedly taking to the streets to demand justice. This time, both students and teachers fought together. Unlike previous movements, where political parties often led from behind, this time, everyone united on their own initiative.

Although the demands were not fully met, we are satisfied with what we have achieved. Now, students must focus on their studies so that no one can suppress them again. Education and research must be strengthened, and alongside academics, students must demonstrate through their conduct that the outcome of this movement can bring pride to the nation.

A university is a temple of knowledge. Jagannath University is a pride of Bangladesh. However, its students have had to build themselves through sacrifice and compromise from the very beginning. Facing numerous adversities, they have reached this stage today.

I want to tell the Jagannath University family—this struggle is not over yet. We must move forward, even if it requires more sacrifices, more compromises, and more protests to preserve our existence. Nothing ready-made holds as much value as what is earned through struggle and perseverance.

I believe Jagannath University will write its own history.

I joined Jagannath University in 2008, working in the Treasurer’s Office and Planning Department. During its first convocation, I realized how difficult it was for students to stay deeply connected with the university due to insufficient support.

In 2022, I joined the administration of its only female dormitory, where 1,268 students face challenges like inadequate rooms, broken lights, and faulty Wi-Fi, with limited financial aid for solutions. Fortunately, the current provost is highly concerned about student welfare.

Given Puran Dhaka’s high living costs, residential halls are essential. Many talented students come from rural backgrounds, and resolving housing issues will foster research and academic growth in Bangladesh. My six-year journey at Jagannath University has been more than just academics—it has been a lesson in endurance and determination.

Each day, I traveled 45 kilometers for classes, returning home late at night, a reality many Jagannath students share. Despite being in the heart of the city, we lack essential facilities that students in more remote campuses receive. Yet, we push forward, refusing to let adversity define us. Jagannath University students embody resilience, turning every obstacle into a stepping stone. Our struggle is not just about education—it is about proving our strength in the face of challenges.

A Jagannath University graduate carries more than a degree; they carry the spirit of perseverance, leadership, and an unwavering drive to succeed. Our identity is a symbol of capability, one that speaks of the determination it takes to rise above limitations and make an impact.


Smita Jannat is a student
in Institute of Modern
Languages, Jagannath University, Dhaka. She is also an author
and translator.