Md. Tanvir Hossain, Jagannath University Correspondent

Jagannath University’s acting Registrar, Professor Dr. Md. Sheikh Giash Uddin, has come under fire for allegedly mistreating a student leader who had approached him with a formal complaint regarding repeated bicycle thefts on campus.

According to witnesses and an audio recording obtained by this reporter, the Registrar reportedly yelled at the students, saying: "Get out! Throw him out! Why did you even come to study at a university? You could’ve just gone to a local college!"

The incident took place on Tuesday when Ivan Tahsib, President of the Socialist Students’ Front at JnU, along with several other students, visited the Registrar’s office to raise concerns about the theft of bicycles from the garage located beneath the Shaheed Shazed Academic Building.

Rather than addressing the issue, the Registrar allegedly dismissed their concerns and claimed the university bears no responsibility for students’ personal belongings.

“We are not responsible for students’ belongings,” he is heard saying in the recording. “Students must take care of their own property. The administration is not responsible for what students eat or where they live. If something happens to a student, the university will not take responsibility.”

Tahsib, recounting the experience, told this correspondent, “I went to inform him about my younger brother’s stolen bicycle. When I mentioned the garage, he became defensive and denied its existence. He said security there is not the administration’s concern. He finally told us to leave.”

“Students save money from tutoring just to buy bicycles for commuting. If the university cannot ensure security, then they should either shut down the garage or put up a notice clearly stating that it’s at our own risk,” he added.

Multiple attempts were made to contact the Registrar for comment. He initially stated he was in a meeting and would respond later, but did not answer subsequent calls.

In response to the incident, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim told The Daily Star:
“As soon as I was informed, I spoke to the Registrar. Such behavior is unacceptable. If students have concerns, they are welcome to bring them directly to my office. I will ensure that appropriate steps are taken.”