Dhaka, May 16 (V7N) – The interim government has officially accepted the four-point demands raised by students of Jagannath University (JU), bringing an end to a large-scale student movement that included mass hunger strikes and sit-ins.

The announcement came on Friday evening (May 16) at around 7:30 PM, when JU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Rezaul Karim addressed the students in the presence of University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr. S.M.A. Faiz.

Professor Rezaul Karim stated, “A decision has been made to implement the students’ demands. The university’s operating budget has been increased, and the construction of temporary residential halls to resolve the ongoing accommodation crisis will begin soon. Work on the university’s second campus is being prioritized and will commence quickly.”

UGC Chairman Dr. Faiz emphasized unity and swift action, saying, “We’ve been working all day to resolve this. As a family, UGC is committed to implementing all your demands.”

In a symbolic gesture, the UGC Chairman broke the hunger strike by offering water to protesting students. More than 5,000 current and former students had gathered in front of the Chief Advisor’s residence, Jamuna, earlier in the day to begin a mass hunger strike.

Dr. Raishuddin, General Secretary of the JU Teachers’ Association, added, “The fourth demand was action against those responsible for attacking students and teachers. The police have expressed regret, and action will be taken against those involved within seven days. All our demands have been accepted by the government.”

The four-point charter of demands included:

  1. Housing scholarships for 70% of JU students from the 2025–26 fiscal year until permanent housing is arranged.

  2. Approval of the full proposed budget for JU in the 2025–26 fiscal year without any cuts.

  3. Immediate approval and implementation of the second campus project in the next ECNEC meeting, with priority status.

  4. Prosecution of police personnel involved in the recent attack on students and teachers.

Students had been holding sit-in demonstrations for three consecutive days, demanding justice, better facilities, and institutional reforms. With the government’s acceptance, the movement has achieved a major victory for the JU community.

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