Mahfuz Alam, Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has assured that the ongoing crisis at Jagannath University (JnU) will be resolved swiftly through dialogue. Amid the students’ continued protest over three key demands, he emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns with sincerity.
Speaking to protesting students on the night of Wednesday, May 14, near the police barricade by Kakrail Mosque, Mahfuz said discussions with the education adviser would be initiated to resolve the issue. “The students’ demands are being taken seriously, and the door for dialogue remains open. The government is sincere about fulfilling logical demands,” he stated.
However, tensions rose during his address. As he was speaking, a water bottle was thrown from the crowd and hit him on the head. Just moments earlier, when Mahfuz commented that “some police officers may have acted provocatively today,” students responded by shouting “fraud, fraud!” Following the incident, he abruptly ended his speech, saying, “I will not speak further,” and left the area under police protection.
Later, in a media briefing near the Prime Adviser’s residence at Jamuna, Mahfuz reiterated that the government was seriously considering the students’ concerns, especially the issue of housing. “The students are raising three demands. The Ministry of Education will assess the validity of each and respond accordingly,” he said.
He acknowledged the severe housing shortage at the university and stated that the students’ demand for a 70% housing allowance would be reviewed during the upcoming budget discussion. “We will determine, through discussion, how much of this can realistically be implemented. The demand for swift implementation of the second campus project is also being considered positively. Additionally, instead of cutting the proposed university budget, the government may consider increasing it based on need,” he added.
Meanwhile, teachers and students of Jagannath University continued their overnight sit-in at Kakrail, protesting in favor of their three-point demand. More than 500 students, along with members of student groups like Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir, Student Rights Council, and anti-discrimination activists, stayed on the streets through the night.
The atmosphere was one of solidarity and determination. Students kept each other energized through songs, slogans, poetry, and discussions. “We’ve been beaten already, we’re prepared to be beaten again. But we won’t return to campus without our rights,” said one protester.
Shamsul Arefin, Member Secretary of the university’s Chhatra Dal unit, said, “All student organizations are standing united with the general students. We’re spending the night singing songs of revolution. Since we’ve taken to the streets, this is where our demands will be settled.”
Asadul Islam, President of Chhatra Shibir’s JnU branch, said, “Our demands are just, and we’re unwavering in our pursuit of student rights. We came to Jamuna to raise our voice, but police brutally attacked us. Some of our friends are now in the hospital. Still, we remain on the streets to claim our rights.”
Rakib, President of the Student Rights Council at JnU, added, “We’ve taken to the streets, and we won’t return without justice. We’re prepared to endure whatever it takes.”
Student Shaheen Ahmed echoed the same spirit: “Since we’ve left the campus, we won’t go back without our demands being met. Even if we have to stay here another week, we will—Inshallah.”
The students’ three-point demand includes:
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Introduce a housing allowance for 70% of students starting from the 2025–26 fiscal year, until proper accommodation is provided.
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Approve Jagannath University’s full proposed budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year without any cuts.
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Approve the second campus project in the upcoming ECNEC meeting and implement it as a priority initiative.
Despite the tension, students and teachers remain firm in their stand, demanding long-overdue reforms and improvements at Jagannath University through peaceful but determined protest.
