Ceiling Collapse Injures Two Dhaka Students

Two students were injured on Wednesday morning at Jagannath University when a section of the ceiling in the Science Building collapsed during a class session. The incident occurred at approximately 10:00 AM in a seminar room while lectures were underway.

The injured students have been identified as Mahfuzur Rahman and Tanvir Niyaz Fahim, both from the Department of Mathematics, batch 2024–25. They were immediately attended to at the university’s medical centre and later discharged to continue recovery at home.

A fellow student, Tanzil Al Siam of the 2022–23 batch, recounted the incident: “The ceiling panel suddenly fell while the class was in progress. Two of our classmates were injured. Fortunately, prompt medical attention was provided, and they were sent home safely.”

Concerns Over Campus Safety

Students have expressed concerns regarding the structural safety of older university buildings. Several of these buildings have been long considered vulnerable, yet full-scale renovations have not been completed despite previous suspensions of academic activities in affected areas. Many students allege that interim maintenance has been insufficient to prevent such hazards.

University Response

Following the incident, Vice-Chancellor Rais Uddin visited the scene to assess the damage and issued instructions to the relevant authorities to take immediate corrective measures. University sources confirmed that plans are underway for a thorough inspection of all ageing campus facilities to prevent future accidents.

Student Protest

In response to the ceiling collapse, mathematics students staged a protest outside the university’s administrative building. They submitted a memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor demanding urgent renovations of all hazardous structures to ensure student safety and prevent repeat incidents.

Injured Students’ Details

The incident has reignited debate over the state of the university’s ageing infrastructure. Many students and faculty are calling for immediate and comprehensive renovation efforts to ensure safety.

As authorities begin inspections and repairs, the university community is closely monitoring the situation. This collapse serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining older buildings and safeguarding students’ well-being in academic environments.