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Dhaka, May 16, 2025: Teachers and students of Jagannath University (JnU) have been holding a sit-in at Kakrail intersection in the capital for the third consecutive day, pressing for their four-point demands. On Friday, May 16, they remained steadfast on the streets, refusing to leave until their demands are met.
As per the pre-announced schedule, a gathering of current and former students and teachers was set to take place at Kakrail at 10:00 AM. However, due to many students falling ill from prolonged street protests, the event began an hour late. Professor Dr. Md. Rois Uddin, General Secretary of the JnU Teachers’ Association, stated, “After Jummah prayers, teachers and students will begin a mass hunger strike. We will not return to campus from the streets without a clear commitment from the government.” He further declared that the movement would continue even if government agencies attempt to detain them.
The four demands include implementing a housing allowance for 70% of students starting from the 2025-26 fiscal year, approving the university’s full budget without cuts, establishing a second campus, and investigating and ensuring justice for the police attack on students on May 14.
On Wednesday, May 14, the teachers and students faced police resistance at Kakrail while marching toward the Chief Adviser’s residence, Yamuna, to press their three initial demands. When they attempted to break through police barricades, law enforcement used batons, tear gas, sound grenades, and water cannons to disperse them, injuring over a hundred teachers, students, and journalists. Since then, the protesters have been staging a continuous sit-in in front of Kakrail Mosque.
The students assert that their demands are justified, emphasizing that housing is their right. Rakib, a student from the Mass Communication and Journalism Department, said, “We have been protesting day after day. Our demands must be met.”
Kakrail Mosque has become a vital support hub for the protesters, providing meals, water, and other necessities at a nominal cost of 40 taka. The university’s proctor, Dr. Tajammul Haque, reportedly covered the cost of lunch for the protesters.
The protesters have declared May 14 as ‘JnU Black Day’ in response to the police crackdown and announced that it will be observed annually. They describe their movement as a peaceful resistance against police brutality on teachers, students, and journalists.
The ongoing protest has disrupted traffic at Kakrail, causing significant congestion in the area. Despite assurances from Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuz Alam that the issues would be resolved through discussions, the protesters remain firm in their resolve to continue until their demands are fully addressed.
AI/MR
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