Jagannath University (JU) students and teachers have announced a mass hunger strike to begin after Friday prayers, following a lack of government response on the second day of their ongoing sit-in demanding a four-point charter, including a budget increase for the university.
Protesters have also declared a rally at 10 AM on Friday (May 16) in Kakrail, Dhaka, as part of their intensified movement. Former students are expected to join the hunger strike in solidarity.
The announcement came late Thursday night from Professor Md. Raish Uddin, General Secretary of the Jagannath University Teachers’ Association, during a press briefing at the Kakrail Mosque intersection, where students had gathered earlier in the day.
“We, the JnU family, have reached a firm decision—either our demands are fulfilled or we will lay down our lives. Even after two full days, there has been no meaningful response from the authorities,” said Professor Uddin.
He added, “Tonight, we teachers will stay here with our students. Our protest will continue, and a mass hunger strike will begin immediately after Jumu’ah prayers.”
Students have been protesting for several days, staging sit-ins and blockades to press their four key demands. They have also announced a complete shutdown of the university until the demands are met.
