Students of Jagannath University (JnU) will begin a mass hunger strike after Jummah prayers on Friday, as part of their ongoing protest at Dhaka’s Kakarail intersection, now in its third consecutive day.

The announcement came late Thursday from Prof Dr Md Rais Uddin, general secretary of the JnU Teachers’ Association, representing the “JnU Unity” platform. 

He said that despite submitting their four-point demand to the government, authorities have remained unresponsive, and protesters have faced violence instead of dialogue.

Rais said students and teachers were beaten and pledged that protesters would stay at Kakarail until their demands are met. Friday prayers will be held on the street, and both current and former students have been urged to join.

A rally was set for 10am Friday, followed by the hunger strike. 

Besides, JnU will observe a “Black Day” on May 14 to protest police action against students, teachers, and journalists.

The four-point demand includes a 70% housing allowance for students starting FY 2025–26, full approval of JnU’s proposed budget, urgent implementation of the second campus project, and legal action against police officers accused of assault.

MN/