DHAKA, Apr 02 (V7N) — A sense of panic has gripped the students of Jagannath University (JnU) following a dangerous incident on Wednesday morning, where falling plaster from a classroom ceiling injured two students. In a symbolic and desperate protest against the university's crumbling infrastructure, several students were seen attending classes and sit-in exams wearing motorcycle helmets today.

The incident occurred in a seminar room of the Mathematics Department during an active session for the 2024-25 academic year. The victims, identified as Tanvir Niaz Fahim and Mahfuzur Rahman Mitul, sustained injuries when a large chunk of the roof's plaster suddenly gave way.

Student Safety Concerns and "Helmet Protest"

Students allege that many of the university's academic buildings have been in a "risky" condition for years, with minor collapses being a recurring issue.

  • Student Testimony: "It is impossible to predict when the next piece of the ceiling will fall. I am forced to wear a helmet just to feel safe during my lectures," said Nayeem, a student of the Mathematics Department.

  • Ongoing Exams: Another student, Nayan, noted that despite the injuries to his peers yesterday, the administration has not suspended academic activities. "Our exams are ongoing. I am sitting for my papers in a helmet because I am terrified of the classroom's structural integrity," he added.

Administrative Response and Technical Oversight

The university’s engineering department has acknowledged the severity of the situation but pointed to technical hurdles that delayed maintenance.

  • Hidden Cracks: Helal Uddin Patwary, the University’s Chief Engineer, explained that structural cracks in the main roof were previously undetected because they were obscured by "false ceilings." These ceilings are now being systematically removed to assess the full extent of the damage.

  • Renovation Plans: The design and cost estimates for the renovation of the Science Building—one of the most affected structures—are reportedly finalized.

  • Funding: Officials confirmed that while minor repairs are starting immediately, the allocation of funds for "major works" is currently stuck in the administrative process.

Institutional Context

Jagannath University, located in the densely populated Old Dhaka area, has long struggled with space constraints and aging colonial-era or poorly maintained buildings. While the government has approved a "New Campus" project in Keraniganj, progress has been slow, leaving thousands of students to continue their education in facilities that many experts have previously labeled as hazardous.

The JnU administration has urged students to remain calm, promising that "risky zones" will be cordoned off until repairs are completed. However, the image of students taking exams in helmets has already sparked a wider debate on social media regarding the neglect of public university infrastructure in Bangladesh.

END/SMA/AJ