'Shameful that JnU students having to protest over housing crisis': Islami Andolan
The Islami Andolan Bangladesh have urged the government to hold discussions with the protesting Jagannath University (JnU) students over their "just demands".
In a statement issued today (16 May), Islami Andolan Amir Syed Md Rezaul Karim, also known as Charmonai Pir, said, "The teachers and students of one of the country's first-tier universities are having to protest on the streets to demand solutions for their housing crisis and campus construction; nothing can be more shameful than this."
"Like all other sectors, Jagannath University has also suffered due to the misgovernance of the previous fascist government, destroying its potential and jeopardising its future. Now, a resolution is necessary, but it should not be through street protests. Instead, the solution must be reached at the discussion table by assessing the university's needs and the government's capabilities," he added.
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Students, teachers of the JnU are continuing their protest for the third day demanding the implementation of housing allowance for 70% of students starting from 2025-26 academic year, approval of the proposed full budget for the same period without any cuts, and initiation of the second campus project as a priority in the next Ecnec meeting.
The protesters have started a hunger strike programme for today at Kakrail in Dhaka, ignoring a police ban on gatherings in the area.
The Islami Andolan ameer said, "The hardships faced by the students of Jagannath University are indescribable. In a city like Dhaka, where housing costs are extremely high, they have to arrange their own accommodation. This creates immense financial pressure on a student.
"Due to this burden, students are forced to take up tutoring or part-time jobs, which hinders their academic progress. Therefore, their demand for housing scholarships and campus construction is entirely justified. I urge the government to take immediate steps, by any feasible means, to fulfil their demands."
He also condemned the use of force by the police against the protesting JnU students and the bottle-throwing incident targeting adviser Mahfuj Alam during their gathering.
He stated, "The fallen autocratic state is conspiring to destabilise the country. They may infiltrate legitimate movements to exploit the situation. Therefore, everyone must remain vigilant and cautious. This movement should not take place on the streets but rather be resolved at the discussion table.
