NN Online:
The government has accepted all the demands put forward by students of Jagannath University (JnU), University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof SMA Faiz announced Friday evening.
Prof Faiz personally ended the students’ hunger strike by offering them water at their protest site in Kakrail, Dhaka.
“All the demands raised by Jagannath University students have been accepted by the government,” Prof Faiz stated around 7pm upon reaching the site. He added that the authorities had been working diligently throughout the day to find a resolution. “UGC is like a family—we will work together to resolve all issues. We are fully committed to implementing your demands,” he assured.
Prof Rois Uddin, General Secretary of the JnU Teachers’ Association, highlighted that one of the major demands was justice for the recent attack on students. “Police have expressed regret and committed to taking action against the perpetrators within seven days,” he said.
He also confirmed that the government had agreed to other key demands, including an increase in JnU’s operational budget. Additionally, temporary dormitories will soon be constructed to alleviate the accommodation crisis, and the development of a second campus will begin as a priority project.
These assurances came following consultations between the UGC, the Finance Ministry, and the Chief Adviser’s Office.
Earlier in the day, students began their hunger strike at 3:45pm at the Kakrail intersection, organizing themselves by academic department to press their demands.
