JnU teachers, students announce ‘shutdown’ till demands met

Jagannath University Teachers' Association General Secretary Professor Rais Uddin has declared an indefinite shutdown of the university in solidarity with protesting students, vowing that academic activities will remain suspended until all student demands are fulfilled.

He made the announcement on Thursday (May 15) while addressing students staging a sit-in at Kakrail, nearly 24 hours into their demonstration.

"We are here not to conspire against anyone, but to demand the rightful dues of Jagannath University," Professor Rais said. "The police attacked us indiscriminately, and this is unacceptable. We will not return home until our demands are met. From now on, no classes or exams will be held at Jagannath University."

He also warned against any attempts to forcibly disperse the protesters. “It will not end well if anyone tries to remove us. No one can harm my students in front of me.”

Throughout the gathering, students chanted slogans including: “We want housing, not deprivation,” “No to budget cuts,” and “We demand justice for the attack.”

Despite spending the night on the streets, the students remained resolute in their sit-in, with many still occupying Kakrail on Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, the student protesters have added a fourth demand to their previous list:

A thorough investigation into the May 14 police attack and exemplary punishment for those responsible.

Their original three-point charter of demands includes:

Housing scholarships for 70% of students starting in the 2025–26 fiscal year,

Approval of the full budget proposed by Jagannath University without cuts,

Passing and implementing the second campus project in the next ECNEC meeting.