JnU tightens security after rival groups announce programmes

Jagannath University (JnU) tightened security on campus today, allowing entry only to students carrying valid university identity cards, as the authorities sought to prevent fresh unrest over programmes announced by rival student groups.

Only the university's main gate remained open, where police officers and members of the proctorial body checked identity cards before allowing students to enter. No one without a valid university ID card was permitted onto the campus. Additional police were also deployed around the university.

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The security measures came a day after the university administration banned all rallies, processions and public gatherings on campus, citing fears that the law and order situation could deteriorate after three student organisations announced programmes at the same place and time.

Despite the ban, JnU Central Students' Union (JnUCSU) Vice-President Riazul Islam, Assistant General Secretary Masud Rana, Islami Chhatra Shibir's JnU unit Secretary Md Ibrahim Khalil, and several other JnUCSU and Shibir leaders entered the campus.

At the same time, several hundred leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) gathered at the university's Shaheed Minar, further heightening tensions.

Members of the proctorial body asked the JCD activists to disperse, reminding them of the administration's ban on all gatherings.

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JnU bans gatherings, rallies, processions until further notice

"We are responsible for ensuring the safety of our students. Therefore, no rallies or gatherings will be allowed on campus today. Students who have classes should go to their classrooms. No one will be allowed to remain gathered here," JnU Proctor Prof Dr Nasir Uddin said.

JCD Convener Mehedi Hasan Himel said the organisation was not violating the administration's directive.

"We are staying here peacefully. Since the university administration has banned rallies and public gatherings, we are not holding any programme," he said.

"Our presence is aimed at ensuring students' safety, preventing any disorder and maintaining a peaceful academic environment."

Himel also alleged that attempts had recently been made to create unrest at educational institutions across the country and claimed similar efforts had been made at Jagannath University. He said JCD members were on campus to prevent any untoward incident.

The latest tension comes just two days after violence on the campus left around 70 people injured.

On August 4, leaders and activists of JnUCSU, Islami Chhatra Shibir, Chhatra Shakti and Inqilab Moncho were among those injured in clashes during a programme marking July Uprising Day.

The university administration later formed a three-member committee to investigate the violence.

With the fallout from that clash yet to subside, the rival programmes announced by student groups have once again put the campus on edge.

'Student politics should be limited to regular students'

In a separate development, Prof Dr Bilal Hossain, joint general secretary of the Jagannath University Teachers' Association, said the right to engage in student politics on campus should belong exclusively to regular students, urging former students to form alumni associations instead.

"The right to do student politics in the university is only for students; it needs to be for regular students. This should be limited only to the students," he said at a press conference.

Addressing former students, he added, "Your academic life has ended. You should form alumni associations. Maintain your relationship with the university by forming alumni associations."

He said maintaining a healthy and orderly campus required giving priority to those who are regularly associated with the university, including teachers and students.

Stressing collective responsibility, he said the university belongs to teachers, students, officers and employees alike.