Students of Jagannath University (JnU) on hunger strike have threatened to besiege the secretariat if their demands are not met by 1:30 pm today (Jan 13).

They also called for a shutdown, boycotting classes and examinations to press for their three-point demands, including the transfer of the second campus project to the army.

AKM Rakib, president of the Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad JnU unit gave this ultimatum in a press briefing at the university's Shaheed Minar premises.

He said, "We are giving an ultimatum. We will wait until 1:30 pm. If the university administration does not meet with the ministry, UGC, and army officials by then, we will surround the secretariat. If there is no resolution by 1:30 pm, the march will begin from the campus main gate."

He also urged all students to join the movement.

Besides, students were seen locking the main gate of the university.

Yesterday at 8:30am, some of students started a hunger strike and approximately 15 of the protesters have been hospitalised so far due to illness related to the strike.

Despite assurances from the vice-chancellor, the students have refused to end their protest.

Students from various departments, including Botany, Social Work, Political Science, Chemistry, Computer Science and Engineering, Physics, Marketing, Management Studies, Accounting and Information Systems, History, the Institute of Education and Research, Pharmacy, Mathematics, Land Management and Law, Mass Communication and Journalism, and Bengali, have joined the shutdown and locked the main gate in solidarity.

The closure of the main gate has restricted vehicle access to the campus, although a smaller pocket gate remains open for pedestrian movement.

The students' three demands are: the transfer of the second campus project to the army for timely completion, the provision of temporary accommodation for students, and the arrangement of a housing allowance for at least 70 percent of students until temporary accommodation is available.
 
BDST: 1413 HRS, JAN 13, 2025
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