Saiful Islam, JKKNIU Correspondent:
Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University (JKKNIU) in Trishal, Mymensingh, is reeling under a severe security breakdown, turning the campus into a free zone for outsiders.
Nearly two decades after its establishment, the university remains crippled by a broken boundary wall, a skeleton security force, and chronic mismanagement, exposing students and teachers to theft, mugging, harassment, and even abduction.
On September 23, miscreants smashed through a section of the boundary wall on the very night the authorities repaired it. Days earlier, a construction worker, Md. Amzad, was ambushed near the first gate by two unidentified assailants, dragged behind the under-construction Kola Bhaban, and robbed of his phone after a violent assault.
The incidents are not isolated. Students say outsiders stroll into the campus unhindered, especially after dusk. Reports include drug abuse in dark corners, break-ins at residential halls, and even theft of taps and electric bulbs. Laptops, phones, and bicycles vanish routinely from hostels.
“Thefts happen almost every week. Outsiders roam freely in the halls while many guards are busy scrolling TikTok,” said Al Mamun, a resident of Bidrohi Hall.
The threats are not limited to theft. Reckless motorcycle showdowns, harassment of female students, and previous incidents of abduction for ransom have left the campus gripped by fear.
Behind the crisis lies a crippling shortage of manpower. The sprawling campus two main gates, four halls, three academic buildings, bungalows, dormitories, and multiple construction sites is guarded by just 64 personnel. Split across 15 posts in three shifts, most checkpoints are manned by a single guard, making it impossible to repel groups of intruders.
“This force is grossly inadequate. At least 100 members are needed. We have asked for 40 more,” said Assistant Ansar Commander Md. Ujjal Miah.
The chaos is compounded by a lack of coordination. Many guards do not even have the contact numbers of proctorial staff, delaying emergency responses.
Assistant Proctor Dr. Md. Shamsuzzaman acknowledged the guards’ inexperience and stressed the need for training, while Assistant Proctor Mohammed Tariqul Islam Jony said: “We have repeatedly sought more manpower but received little response. Patrolling the entire campus with this force is impossible.”
Students and teachers say the situation demands urgent action for permanent repair of the boundary wall, strict gate control, installation of CCTV and floodlights, and the recruitment of a larger, trained security force. Without this, they warn, the university will remain hostage to criminals and outsiders.
