JnU students vow to stay on streets until demands met

Jagannath University (JnU) students tonight declared that they would not leave the streets until their three-point demand is fulfilled.

They also said they will not withdraw their demonstration without meeting the chief adviser.

The announcement came as the students and teachers continued their sit-in in Dhaka's Kakrail intersection tonight to press home their demands.

The students' demands include increased budget allocation for Jagannath University, introduction of a housing allowance, and improvement of academic facilities.

Tensions escalated around 10:10pm when Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam arrived at the protest site in Dhaka's Kakrail in an attempt to defuse the situation.

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He engaged in discussions with the demonstrators, but the atmosphere quickly turned hostile as a section of students began chanting "Bhua, Bhua" (fake, fake) slogans, reports our staff correspondent from the scene.

Amid the commotion, a water bottle was hurled from the left side of the crowd, striking the adviser in the face. Following the incident, Mahfuj left the scene without making any further comment.

Mahfuj Alam said, "This rally suddenly moved from Old Dhaka to Kakrail… we were not informed. We have instructed the law enforcement agencies that when teachers and students stage demonstrations, they must first attempt dialogue with them and must not, under any circumstances, use force initially."
Addressing the Jagannath University students, the adviser said, "To the students, I want to say -- the government is willing to listen…, to sit down, and to talk. Dr Muhammad Yunus is aware of the crisis at Jagannath University."

Around 12:00am, on behalf of JnU students, JnU Chhatra Dal's Member Secretary Shamsul Arefin briefed the media. 

He said while the adviser was briefing, an unexpected incident occurred. JnU students believe that they were not responsible for this unfortunate event, he said.

"We express our regret over the incident."

"Had our demands been met, we wouldn't have come here, and this unexpected incident wouldn't have taken place," Shamsul said.

Shamsul also said, "After discussing with the students, we have come to the decision that we will not leave this place under any circumstances. If any untoward incident occurs, the adviser and the government must take full responsibility. We strongly condemn the attack on students that took place this (Wednesday) afternoon."

He further said, "There will be a peaceful sit-in here. Without getting a clear announcement, we will not leave this place in any way."

Earlier, police baton-charged and fired tear gas shells at JnU students during their "Long March to Jamuna" programme in Kakrail, leaving several students and teachers injured.

The incident occurred around 12:30pm when police intercepted the procession near Kakrail intersection, according to a photojournalist present at the scene.

Earlier in the day, students gathered at the university's Shaheed Minar, suspending classes and exams to press home their three-point demand. The procession crossed Ray Saheb Bazar intersection by 11:55am, according to our correspondent at the scene.