Students from the Management Department of Jagannath University (JnU) staged a protest on Sunday, issuing a 24-hour ultimatum and suspending academic activities in response to an alleged assault on two faculty members by members of the student political group Chhatra Dal (JCD).
The demonstration, which included a press briefing and a symbolic siege of the vice-chancellor’s residence, came just days after the reported attack took place inside the university’s Shaheed Sajid Academic Building.
Protesters placed three specific demands before university authorities. They called for a completed investigation within 24 hours, expulsion and legal action against those responsible, and a ban on political activities by irregular or former students on campus.
“All classes and exams will remain suspended until we see proper action,” said Irfan Hossain, a student of the 2020–21 session.
Another student, Badhan Ahmed Maruf, added, “An attack like this on faculty didn’t even happen under Chhatra League. So how did Chhatra Dal feel confident enough to do it now?”
Tensions on campus have been rising since Thursday, when Rafique Bin Sadek Resad, a fourth-year student, was reportedly attacked by JCD activists due to suspicions of affiliation with the banned Chhatra League. The incident escalated when faculty members stepped in.
According to university sources, Student Welfare Director Dr AKM Rifat Hasan and Assistant Proctor Shafiqul Islam were both verbally and physically abused during their attempt to break up the altercation.
JCD’s Jagannath University unit has denied the accusations. In a joint statement, Convener Mehedi Hasan Himel and Member Secretary Shamsul Arefin described the situation as a “misunderstanding.” They claimed their intention was to hand Resad over to authorities and that no teachers or students were harmed.
Still, the university’s Teachers’ Association condemned the events and took an unusual step. Both its chair, Professor Dr Md Mosharraf Hossain, and general secretary, Professor Dr Md Rois Uddin, resigned from the university’s newly-formed inquiry committee.
Also Read: Jagannath University Clash: Teachers and Student Leaders Allegedly Assaulted
“I was a victim myself,” said Dr Hossain. “I want justice, and continuing in the committee would be a conflict of interest. I can now speak freely as someone directly affected.”
The university administration has formed a five-member committee to investigate. A press release stated that the committee’s findings will inform disciplinary action.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Rezaul Karim addressed the concerns, saying, “We take this very seriously. The committee is working, and action will follow based on their report.”
Meanwhile, the unrest appears to have impacted more than just students and teachers. Leaders of Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad—another student group—have also reported being targeted by JCD members.
Its president, Md Faisal Murad, along with chief organizer Ferdous Hasan and joint convener Faruk, were reportedly assaulted after being accused of links to Chhatra League.
By Sunday night, the campus was still far from normal. Students were digging in their heels, making it clear that a simple investigation isn’t enough. They want to see real consequences, or they’ll keep boycotting their classes. Now, it’s all up to how quickly university officials decide to act.
