JnU Correspondent

Jagannath University (JnU) authorities have started the installation of an elevator at the administrative building to facilitate access to the second floor. The construction work began on Sunday (April 20) beside the Mathematics Department, where the Vice-Chancellor’s (VC) office is located.

However, the move has sparked outrage among students, who argue that the university should prioritize solving the acute accommodation crisis instead of investing in what they call "luxurious" infrastructure.

Expressing frustration, a student from the Department of Land and Law Management wrote on social media, “There’s no dormitory for students, no proper dining hall, yet they are building a lift for the VC and his guests to reach the second floor. Feels like we’re in a kingdom.”

When contacted, Chief Engineer Helal Uddin Patwary defended the decision, saying, “Jagannath University is one of the most important institutions in Dhaka. Many senior citizens and foreign academics visit the Vice-Chancellor. It is not appropriate to expect them to climb such steep stairs. That’s why the decision to install a lift was taken.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim also responded, stating, “This project was already budgeted. The allocated funds cannot be redirected. The elevator is intended to serve important individuals. For example, when the UGC Chairman visited, I couldn’t bring him to my office because he couldn’t climb the stairs. However, if the students strongly oppose it, we will consider not proceeding with the installation.