Md Abdur Rakib, JnU :
Jagannath University (JnU) is witnessing a significant movement among its teachers and students demanding that the next vice-chancellor be appointed from within the university.
This demand arises from frustrations over the appointment of external vice-chancellors since the university’s establishment in 2005, which many believe has hindered development in education, research, and infrastructure.
The resignation of former Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Sadeka Halim on August 5, 2024, following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, has intensified these calls for change.
The movement gained momentum on August 17, when students began advocating for a vice-chancellor from JnU through social media campaigns. This was followed by various activities, including a “Teacher-Student Assembly” on August 20 and a mass signature campaign that collected nearly 5,000 signatures from the academic community, which were submitted to the Ministry of Education[1][2][3].
Key events in the movement included students organizing mass gatherings and declaring a gate-lock protest, distributing leaflets that outlined ten reasons for their demand on August 28 and students, teachers, and staff held consultations to strengthen their unified stance on the issue between September 1 and 3.
Prominent voices in the movement include student Saifuddin Islam, who articulated the sentiment of being under “colonial rule” for 19 years, emphasizing the capability of JnU’s faculty to lead the university effectively.
Similarly, Masud Rana highlighted the persistent external influence in past appointments, asserting that the students are now prepared to fight for their rights.
University officials, including Zahirul Islam, the Controller of Examinations, echoed these sentiments, arguing that external vice-chancellors prioritize their interests over JnU’s needs.
The collective demand from students, teachers, and staff is clear: they want a vice-chancellor who is a member of the JnU community, reflecting a strong desire for internal leadership and accountability moving forward[2][3][6].
