Dhaka: Jahangirnagar University: Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (JUCSU) staged a sit-in on Sunday, advocating for the implementation of a 13-point agenda aimed at academic reform and student welfare. The demonstration took place in front of the university's new Registrar Building during the afternoon.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the demands outlined by JUCSU include enacting an academic calendar, enhancing thesis funding, introducing certificate courses at the Wazed Miah Research Centre, recruiting student research assistants, implementing a teacher evaluation system, ensuring facilities for students with disabilities, extending the validity of institutional emails, and allowing the re-evaluation of examination scripts.
Additional proposals involve streamlining improvement examinations, reinforcing the Controller of Examinations Office, initiating special examinations, preparing practical examination schedules, and expanding online e-resources.
Abu Obaida Osama, JUCSU's Education and Research Secretary, emphasized that these demands had been consistently presented to the university administration since JUCSU's formation. He highlighted that the Academic Council had accepted the 13 demands on July 29, expressing hope for their implementation at the day's Syndicate meeting.
Osama also discussed the administration's plan to increase thesis funding from Tk 750 to Tk 7,500, noting that the proposal had passed the Finance Committee and awaited the Syndicate's final approval.
JUCSU General Secretary Mazharul Islam reiterated the union's commitment to academic reform, stating that the Academic Council had agreed to most of their demands and decided to enhance research funding for students. He stressed the importance of prompt action by the Syndicate, warning against any delays concerning students' academic rights.
Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan acknowledged the relevance of the demands but pointed out the university's financial constraints, which hinge on government allocations. He assured that the university would offer maximum support for academic development within its capacity, prioritizing increased allocations for students and researchers while ensuring a balanced distribution of funds to enhance education quality.