Amid protests, JU observes founding anniversary

Amid continued demonstrations over removal of the vice chancellor, Jahangirnagar University (JU) observed its 49th founding anniversary yesterday.

The protesters -- students and teachers -- who have been agitating since August last year, brought out a “black flag” procession on the campus.

At 10am, they gathered in Transport area and marched to Arts building (old). Later, they formed a human chain on “Amar Ekushey” premises and held a rally under the banner of “Jahangirnagar against Corruption”.

Meanwhile, the VC inaugurated the day by hoisting the national and JU flags and releasing balloons in front of Business Studies Faculty [next to Arts building] at 10:30am.

Hundreds of former and current students, teachers, officials and employees were present at the time. Pro-VCs Prof Amir Hussain and Prof Nurul Alam, and Treasurer Prof Sheikh Monjurul Huq also attended the inaugural session.

The daylong event included a puppet show and other performances by Student Welfare and Counselling Centre of the university, at the Selim Al Deen Muktamancha.

Jahangirnagar University was founded on August 20, 1970. It formally began its academic activities as a residential university on January 12, 1971, with four departments, 21 teachers, 150 students, and three residential halls.