Jagannath University students protest for rights

Dhaka

Students of Jagannath University in Bangladesh are continuing their protest for the second straight day. They have blocked the Kakrail intersection in Dhaka, demanding three key things: housing allowance, a full university budget for the next fiscal year, and the construction of a new campus building.

Hundreds of students, joined by teachers including the vice-chancellor, are holding a sit-in near the official home of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. They say they will not move until their demands are met. Their protest has caused heavy traffic and drawn national attention.

Attempts to end the protest through talks have failed. On Wednesday, Information Advisor Mahfuj Alam was hit with bottles while trying to speak with the students. The students said the attack was minor compared to police violence against them.

The three main demands are: housing allowance for 70% of students starting next fiscal year, full budget approval for 2025–26, and a second campus to ease overcrowding. On Wednesday, police used tear gas, water cannons, and sound grenades to stop a long march by students and teachers. Over 50 people were injured.

Police and Border Guard forces are now on alert, with barricades set up near the protest site. Students warned the government would be responsible if violence breaks out again.

At Dhaka University, a separate protest erupted after the death of a student, Shahriar Alam Shammo. Students marched with torches, demanding justice and criticizing the university’s leadership. They accused the administration of failing to protect students after multiple mysterious deaths on campus in recent months.