JnU Correspondent

The Jagannath University (JnU) unit of the Socialist Students' Front has placed a 19-point demand, including the introduction of a digitalized system to prevent irregularities and harassment, the cancellation of the UGC’s strategic plan, the abolition of evening courses, and mandatory demo classes in teacher recruitment.

The organization held a press conference in front of the Rafique Building at 2 pm on Monday where they announced their plan to submit the demands to the Vice-Chancellor.

Their key demands include amending the university law to incorporate Jagannath University Central Students' Union (JnUCSU) regulations and holding elections for student and hall councils. They also urged for cafeteria upgrades to provide subsidized meals at Tk 20, student housing at the second campus by 2026, and accommodation allowances until then. Additionally, they demanded increased funding for education and research, expansion of research opportunities, secured funding, and financial incentives for quality publications. Teacher recruitment should prioritize research experience, written exams, demo classes, and impartial evaluation.

The demands also include ensuring 24-hour mental health services at the medical and counseling centers, availability of essential medical supplies, cancellation of the UGC’s strategic plan, an end to education commercialization, and the abolition of evening courses. They called for modern laboratories, better academic facilities, and high-speed internet in every department. A functional sexual harassment cell must be established, ensuring justice for offenders. The university’s financial transactions and corruption records should be made transparent to students.

Administrative offices, including the registrar’s office, IT cell, and exam controller’s office, should introduce a digitalized system to eliminate irregularities and harassment, along with a one-stop service system.

Additional demands include installing sufficient lifts in Shaheed Sajid Bhaban, specialized washrooms for female and disabled students, modernization of the central library with 24/7 access, increased campus bus and shuttle services, and higher budget allocations for cultural and social activities. They also called for improved campus infrastructure, administrative action regarding the July uprising killings, part-time job opportunities for students, and the introduction of a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) program.

JnU Socialist Students' Front President Ivan Tahsif stated, “We are going through a critical and alarming time. Students across various campuses are protesting against sexual violence and demanding the resignation of the Home Advisor. We, the Jagannath University unit of the Socialist Students' Front, stand in solidarity with their demands.”