JnU protesters announce mass hunger strike

Teachers and students of Jagannath University (JnU) have announced a series of fresh protest programmes, including a mass hunger strike, as their movement over four key demands intensifies, reports UNB.

As part of the ongoing protest, a rally will be held in front of Kakrail Mosque at 10 am on Friday, followed by a mass hunger strike after Jummah prayers.

The announcement was made by Professor Rais Uddin, general secretary of the JnU Teachers' Association, on Thursday midnight.

"We have come to assert our rights. Police have indiscriminately attacked us. This is injustice. We will not go home without fulfilling our demands," Prof Rais declared, warning that the movement would continue until the authorities issue a clear declaration addressing their concerns.

In protest of the police action on students and teachers earlier this week, May 14 has been declared as a'Black Day' at the university, the report added.

The protesters are demanding a housing allowance scholarship for 70% of students starting from the 2025–26 fiscal year, full approval of the university's proposed budget without any cuts, final approval and implementation of the second campus project at the upcoming Ecnec meeting, and a fair investigation into the May 14 police action with exemplary punishment for those responsible.

The protest turned violent on Wednesday when students and teachers attempted to march towards the residence of the chief adviser, Jamuna.

Police intercepted the march near Kakrail Mosque, using tear gas, sound grenades, and hot water cannons to disperse the crowd. Officers also charged batons, injuring more than a hundred people, including students, teachers, and journalists.

Protesters have since maintained a sit-in at Kakrail, with some spending the night on the street to continue pressing their demands.

Tensions escalated further on Wednesday night when Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam tried to address the demonstrators. He was struck on the head by a plastic water bottle thrown from the crowd during his remarks.