A faction of students of Jahangirnagar University (JU) on Wednesday morning staged a human chain under the Banner of ‘General Students of Jahangirnagar University’ demanding reopening of campus.
Around 100 students from different disciplines of the university gathered in front of Shaheed Minar of the campus and took part in the human chain. Here, they decided to continue their movement on the campus until the government and the university authorities decide to reopen the campus.
On this programme Tarikul Alom, a master's student of Government and Politics department said, “The government failed to keep its promise to reopen the university in April. The government has opened tourist spots, garments factories, public transport, etc. except educational institutions."
Terming the UGC’s condition Tarikul added that, "About 8-9 thousand students of JU have been vaccinated against corona. Even then, what's the obstacle to reopening the university? We urge the authorities to reopen the campus as soon as possible by bringing the rest under the vaccine facility. Otherwise, we will continue our movement.”
Expressing solidarity with the activist JU unit secretary general of Bangladesh Student Union Rakibul Rony said, “The ongoing development project at Jahangirnagar University is being rigged. The administration wants to close the university to cover up the forgery.”
He also urged the authorities to reopen the university without pushing the students towards a larger movement.
It's mentionable that, all educational institutions across the country were shut down on March 17 last year due to Covid-19 pandemic. Many problems including session jam, the pressure of family responsibilities, psychological health issues, affects the students.
Mentioning the psychological health issues, Abu Sayed, secretary general of Socialist Student Front JU unit said, “Everyone is going to be mentally deranged. Every student also some teachers wants the campus to be reopened. So far, 48 students have committed suicide out of frustration.”
Earlier on May 24, the students staged a human chain demanding the same. But the university authorities didn’t pay heed to them.
