The rising cost of living near Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia is placing additional financial burden on students, particularly those from middle- and lower-income families.
Despite limited income, expenses continue to escalate, affecting the lives of thousands of students engaged in higher education.
The location of IU, along with an acute housing shortage, has further complicated the situation. As a result, university life has become an arduous challenge for many students, especially those from less affluent backgrounds.
Given that the university is located at a considerable distance from the district towns of Kushtia and Jhenaidah, most students are left with no choice but to live in the surrounding areas.
However, the long-standing shortage of accommodation in university halls has forced many to seek housing off-campus.
Students have expressed frustration as landlords in the vicinity seize the opportunity to exploit the situation. Complaints have surfaced regarding landlords raising rents arbitrarily, without adhering to any formal regulations.
Additionally, charges for water, electricity, and internet services are increased, often within a single month.
Miraj, a resident of a student mess in Sheikh Para, shared, “Landlords often tell us that if we do not like the rent, we should leave. In addition to the water bill, we have to pay extra for various reasons almost every month. Money seems to be their only concern.”
Another student, Tasnim, voiced her dissatisfaction, saying, “We hardly have electricity for more than 5-6 hours a day. Water supply is also irregular.
“Yet, we are forced to pay separate bills for electricity, water, and internet. Safety is another issue – at night, I have to keep the window closed in fear, and the noise outside is terrifying.”
A student, preferring to remain anonymous, pointed out, “I have been living in Sheikh Para for two years. Though the rent is Tk 2,000, with other costs, it often exceeds Tk 3,000. Sometimes, even when I am not home, I end up paying the electricity bill.
“Once, I was charged Tk 500 for leaving a single light on for the entire month. Even when I do not need help, I am forced to keep the maid, or the landlord threatens to evict me.”
On the other hand, mess owners also argue that they too are facing financial pressure. Anwar Hossain, a local landlord, explained, “We are not raising rents for profit. With the rising cost of goods, home loan interest rates, and maintenance expenses, we’re also struggling.
“When electricity or internet costs rise, we have no choice but to adjust the rent accordingly.”
In response to the situation, the university administration has taken some steps to address the issue.
IU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Nokib Mohammad Nasrullah stated, “We are aware of the concerns regarding students’ living standards. The Proctorial Team has already started working on this issue.
“A discussion with the mess and house owners in the surrounding areas will be arranged soon, where we will address the issue of excessive rent as well as concerns related to students’ safety, lifestyle, and health.”
