Protests Demand Ban on Student Politics in Jahangirnagar University Halls

Students of Jahangirnagar University (JU) staged a protest demanding the prohibition of student politics within the university’s residential halls.

The protest began at approximately 9 pm, with students staging a sit-in outside the Vice-Chancellor’s residence. By 10:30 pm, the students dispersed peacefully following an assurance from Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan that their concerns would be discussed. Earlier in the evening, around 7:30 pm, the group had marched to various halls, calling for fellow students to join via loudspeakers before proceeding to the Vice-Chancellor’s residence.

During a meeting, the students presented a six-point demand list to the Vice-Chancellor, which includes:

• Complete ban on all forms of political activities within all residential halls of Jahangirnagar University.
• Clear administrative policies to penalise students involved in political activities as well as individuals engaging in ragging culture in communal and guest rooms.
• Prompt formation of hall councils to safeguard students’ fundamental rights.
• Any gifts or materials from political organisations to be distributed solely through the hall administration, without the use of organisation names or symbols.
• Prevention of unauthorised interference by outsiders in hall affairs.
• Immediate action against students who have overstayed their hall residency period.

The protesting students expressed strong concerns over the ongoing political influence within the halls. According to them, following the announcement of Bangladesh Chhatra Dal committees in 17 halls last Friday, a wave of protests erupted on social media. In response, they organised this hall-based political ban march.

Shariful Alam, a student from Shahid Tajuddin Ahmad Hall, said, “We do not want any form of student politics inside our halls. Politics should remain on campus, but a harmonious coexistence must be ensured. We have witnessed ragging culture and guest room abuse repeatedly, with nights of torment. We are protesting to ensure these practices do not return. The administration must guarantee that no political activity is allowed within the halls.”

Responding to the protest, Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan stated, “An administrative meeting will be held on Sunday to discuss the students’ demands and consider appropriate measures.”