Following the spread of panic across the campus concerning risky residential accommodations after the earthquakes of the last two days, the University of Dhaka authorities announced the suspension of all classes and examinations from Sunday.
Simultaneously, instructions were issued for students to vacate the residential halls. However, while this directive was implemented in all halls, an exception has been observed at Sir PJ Hartog International Hall.
Despite old and risky halls, along with newer, comparatively safer ones, being evacuated considering safety concerns, it has been alleged that no safety measures have been taken at this international hall, built in 1966.
Residential students of the hall say they were not given any kind of warning or instructions. Conversely, the hall authorities claim that since there is “no panic” among the students, the hall has been kept open.
However, upon visiting the western side of the hall’s third floor, it was observed that plaster from the ceiling had fallen off in at least six places along the veranda. An employee of the hall, on condition of anonymity, said, “During the earthquake, panic spread here just like in the other halls.”
One of the residential students of PJ International Hall, Jigme Rangdool Dorjee, said, “As of now, we haven’t received any notice, safety warning, or instruction to vacate the hall.”
Dorjee – a 3rd-year student of Dhaka Medical College – further stated that most of the residents are from Nepal and Bhutan, which created some concern among them after the recent tremor. However, he added that they have experienced much stronger earthquakes in their home countries, and compared to those, “this one wasn’t that severe.”
The hall’s Provost, Mohammad Abul Kausar, told TIMES of Bangladesh that the decision was made not to close the hall because international students reside there.
When asked why the hall was not declared closed like the others despite cracks appearing in various places, he replied, “There isn’t much panic among our teachers and students. A crack appeared in one place after the earthquake; we are not sure if it was there before.”
Abdullah Al Mamun, head of the Provost’s Standing Committee, said, “Since they are international students, the Hall Provost is communicating with them. The provost has been instructed on the process of how they will vacate the hall. They have also been told they will receive necessary assistance as per their convenience.”
He told TIMES of Bangladesh, “While students from other halls could be made to leave by 5pm, it is not possible in the case of international students. Therefore, the Hall Provost will make a decision considering their situation.”
