Barishal University: Students Continue Hunger Strike for Infrastructure Development, VC Shows Solidarity

Seven students of Barishal University (BU) have been continuing their indefinite hunger strike, demanding the fulfillment of a three-point charter, including urgent infrastructure development. The strike began at 10:00 PM on Thursday, September 4, 2025, on the ground floor of Academic Building-1. Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Taufiq Alam attempted to persuade the students to end their protest but failed. In a rare gesture of solidarity, he spent the night beside them under a mosquito net until around 1:00 AM on Friday.

As of Friday afternoon, September 5, 2025, the students’ hunger strike continued. The Vice Chancellor left the site in the morning. The protesting students vowed to persist with their strike until they receive assurances from responsible officials of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The students on hunger strike are Sharmila Zaman Senjuti (English Department), Amiya Mandal (Mass Communication and Journalism, 2022-23 session), Tajul Islam (Accounting and Information Systems, 2021-22 session), Abubakar Siddique (Chemistry, 2022-23 session), Piyal Hasan (Philosophy, 2021-22 session), Tamim Ahmed Riaz (Public Administration, 2021-22 session), and Shawkat Osman Sakkhar (Law Department). Around 10:00 PM on Thursday, the students launched the hunger strike to press their three demands. At around 1:00 AM, the Vice Chancellor visited the site and spoke with them, assuring that efforts were being made to address their legitimate demands and that progress would be announced within a week. However, the students declared they would continue the strike until their demands are met. In solidarity, the Vice Chancellor stayed with them overnight under a mosquito net. The students’ movement began on July 29 with human chains and signature campaigns, followed by a week-long protest and sit-in starting August 14. Despite holding rallies, human chains, road blockades, and press conferences, they received no assurances, compelling them to resort to the hunger strike. Student Tajul Islam stated, “We held two press conferences urging the UGC to act. For 37 days, we’ve carried out various programs, but no one from the UGC has contacted us. Unless we receive a commitment, our indefinite hunger strike will continue.” Shawkat Osman noted that, even after 14 years since the university’s establishment, its infrastructure remains incomplete. With only four residential halls accommodating 1,500 students out of 10,000, and severe shortages of classrooms, teachers, housing, transportation, and library facilities, session delays are increasing. This forced the students to resort to the hunger strike. University Proctor Rahat Hossain commented, “The students’ demands are logical. Development work is ongoing, and land acquisition is progressing in phases. However, a crisis of trust has led the students to this point.”