Students and faculty members of Jagannath University (JnU) called off their hunger strike on Friday evening following assurances from the government regarding the fulfilment of their three-point demands.
University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof SMA Faiz made the announcement at around 7:30pm at the protest site near Kakrail Mosque, stating that the government had agreed in principle to address the demands raised by the students.
His remarks were later echoed by JnU Vice Chancellor Prof Md Rezaul Karim, who outlined specific steps being taken to meet the demands.
Addressing the demonstrators, the VC said the interim government has agreed to increase the university’s budget allocation and initiate the construction of temporary dormitories to address the ongoing housing crisis.
He also assured that work on the university’s long-delayed second campus would be expedited.
The UGC chairman then ended the mass hunger strike by offering water to one of the students where UGC member Prof Tanzimuddin Khan, JnU Treasurer Sabina Sharmin, and JnU Teachers’ Association General Secretary Prof Rois Uddin were also present.
Despite the symbolic end to the hunger strike, a faction of the students declared they would continue until a concrete implementation roadmap is officially announced by the authorities.
The protest centred around three core demands: the introduction of accommodation stipends for 70 per cent of students from FY2025–26, approval of the university’s proposed full budget for the same fiscal, and the prioritisation of the second campus project under the next ECNEC meeting.
On Wednesday, JnU students and teachers staged a long march toward the Chief Adviser’s official residence Jamuna. As the demonstrators reached the Kakrail intersection, they were intercepted by police, who dispersed them using tear gas, sound grenades, and water cannons.
Nearly 50 students and teachers were injured during the clash.
Since then, the demonstrators have maintained a sit-in at the Kakrail intersection, joined by alumni and other sympathisers. On Friday, following the Jumma prayers, the demonstrators intensified their protest with a mass hunger strike.
Later in the evening, JnU Teachers’ Association General Secretary Prof Rois Uddin formally announced the suspension of the movement based on the assurances received. However, many protesting students remain sceptical, insisting that only a clearly defined roadmap will prompt them to end their protests.