Nearly a year after the government assured Jagannath University students that their demands had been accepted following a dramatic protest movement marked by police clashes and hunger strikes, thousands of students are yet to receive the promised supplementary scholarship, deepening frustration and mistrust on campus.
Students say the prolonged delay has turned what was once celebrated as a major victory of the “Long March to Jamuna” movement into another example of unfulfilled state promises to one of the country’s most neglected public universities.
The movement began on 14 May 2025, when students marched toward Jamuna, the residence of the chief adviser, demanding accommodation support for 70 per cent of students, approval of the university’s full budget for FY2025–26, and fast-tracking of the long-stalled second campus project.
Police dispersed the procession using tear gas shells, sound grenades and water cannons, leaving nearly 50 teachers and students injured.
Protesters later occupied Kakrail intersection and continued demonstrations for three consecutive days before launching a hunger strike.
On 16 May, after negotiations at the Chief Adviser’s Office, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman SMA Fayez announced that the government had accepted the students’ demands. The announcement led students to withdraw the movement the following day.
Among the key assurances was a supplementary scholarship programme under a special budget arrangement to address the university’s severe accommodation crisis until adequate residential facilities could be ensured.
During the university’s 102nd special syndicate meeting, authorities announced that Tk56 crore would be allocated for the initiative in FY2025–26, with students expected to begin receiving support from July last year.
But despite official announcements, application procedures, and completion of bank account registration for students, the funds have yet to reach the university.
“The movement was not symbolic for us. Students bled on the streets and went on hunger strike believing the promises would be implemented,” said a student who requested anonymity.
“Now we only have official statements and circulars, but no actual scholarship. If the administration cannot ensure implementation, they should clearly tell students instead of giving repeated assurances,” the student added.
The delay has triggered growing anger among students and student organisations, many of whom accuse the administration and authorities of creating false expectations.
Md Mehedi Hasan, a student injured during the protests, questioned why students were still waiting despite repeated assurances.
“Why has the supplementary scholarship money still not reached students? This uncertainty must end quickly,” he said.
Masud Rana, assistant general secretary of the university student union JAKSU, warned that frustration among students was reaching a breaking point.
“Students are running out of patience. If the promises are not implemented quickly, a larger movement may emerge again,” he said.
Student leaders and activists across political lines echoed similar concerns.
Mehedi Hasan Himel, convener of the university unit of the student wing of the BNP, said the prolonged delay had eroded students’ confidence in the administration.
Ivan Tahsiv, president of the university unit of the Socialist Students Front, alleged that the university administration had failed to show urgency in implementing the commitments.
Former president of the Student Rights Council AKM Rakib accused the authorities of “clear deception” toward students.
The issue has also revived long-standing concerns over what students describe as systemic neglect of Jagannath University, where the majority of students live outside campus due to an acute shortage of residential halls.
On October 8 last year, the university registrar’s office announced approval of a “special scholarship policy,” asking students to apply online through the “Apply for JNU Scholarship” portal by October 23.
Students say they complied with every administrative requirement, including opening bank accounts months ago, but still have no clarity on when the funds will be released.
“Several months have passed since the bank accounts were opened. We are repeatedly being assured that the scholarship will come, but we do not even know whether we will actually receive it,” said Arafat Nafis, a student of the Public Administration Department.
Kamrul Hasan from the Film and Television Department said the incident reflected the broader treatment of the university.
“Jagannath University is always treated with neglect. The administration cannot avoid responsibility either,” he said.
University officials, however, blamed delays in government fund disbursement.
Director of Finance and Accounts Sheikh Rafiqul Islam said the UGC had not yet received the required allocation from the government, though funds might arrive by the middle of this month.
Treasurer and scholarship committee convener Professor Sabina Sharmin said budget approval alone did not guarantee immediate fund release.
“Several administrative and financial procedures must be completed before the money is released, which is why it is taking time,” she said.
She added that the UGC had informed the university that Tk20 crore for dormitory construction and Tk10 crore for scholarships would come alongside the main budget allocation for FY2025–26.
However, students say repeated explanations without visible progress have only deepened their distrust.
Attempts to contact Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Rashed Uddin for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to phone calls or text messages.
