Dhaka, Nov 12 (V7N)- Education Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud confirmed that the Ministry of Education has no objections to the army managing the construction of Jagannath University's (JnU) second campus in Keraniganj.

The adviser announced this decision on Tuesday after meeting with JnU officials. “The new campus proposal had been held up by the Planning Commission. This is a significant, self-sustaining initiative, comparable to the founding of Jahangirnagar and Chittagong universities in the late Pakistan period,” he stated. He further emphasized his role in advancing the project for approval at the Ecnec meeting, describing it as a potential milestone for the interim government.

Responding to student concerns, he added, “We recognize students’ frustrations over the delays and allegations of corruption involving the project director, which warrant an internal investigation by the university. If necessary, the administration may consider appointing a new project director.”

On the students’ request for army involvement, Wahiduddin affirmed: “We support the students’ request for the army's oversight. Should the JnU administration, which operates independently, agree, the Ministry of Education will facilitate this collaboration.”

Following these assurances, JnU students announced an end to their protests after a meeting with Education Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud and Adviser Nahid Islam, representing the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. This discussion at the Secretariat included JnU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rezaul Karim, faculty members, and student representatives.

The recent protests escalated on Monday, with thousands of JnU students demanding army management of the second campus project. Adviser Nahid Islam addressed the students directly, committing to address their demands within three days.

The students’ primary demands include:

  1. Legal action against the project director appointed under the previous administration, with the role handed over to army officers within a week.
  2. A Ministry of Education announcement confirming the army’s role in the second campus project, along with a clear action plan for acquiring the remaining 11 acres of land.
  3. The inclusion of JnU in the UGC’s newly launched pilot project, and an annual budget allocation of at least Tk500 crore for the university.

The unrest intensified after an unsuccessful attempt by a 12-member student delegation to meet the education secretary, leading to demonstrations. Nahid Islam later addressed the students, promising to meet their demands, and a student delegation subsequently met with Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Dr. M Aminul Islam and Adviser Nahid Islam. This meeting set the stage for Tuesday's final discussion.

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