JU administration faces backlash over Jucsu leaders’ hall stay extension until term ends

The Jahangirnagar University administration has drawn criticism from Jucsu leaders and student organisations after allowing elected Jucsu and hall union representatives to remain in residential halls until their terms expire, even after their regular studentship ends. 

The decision was announced in a notice signed by Acting Registrar ABM Azizur Rahman on Wednesday. The move exempts Jucsu representatives from Section 5 (Ta) of the Students’ Discipline Ordinance-2018, which requires students to vacate residential halls within seven days of completing their undergraduate and master’s examinations.

The announcement comes amid campus debate over VP Jitu’s continued stay in a residential hall after losing regular studentship, while GS Mazharul has already vacated his hall in accordance with university rules. 

Jucsu VP no longer a regular student

According to the Office of the Controller of Examinations, students must complete a four-year honours programme within six years and a one-year master’s programme within two years, failing which their regular studentship expires.

University records show Jucsu Vice-President Abdur Rashid Jitu, a 2017-18 student of the Institute of Comparative Literature and Culture, deferred one honours course to the next batch before the Jucsu election. 

Although the 48th batch completed its master’s examinations in February, he did not sit for the exam, ending his regular studentship.

Several Jucsu leaders told The Business Standard they had never requested such an exemption, prompting speculation on campus that the decision was intended to allow Jitu to continue staying in the hall and carrying on his political activities despite losing regular studentship. 

Jucsu General Secretary (GS) Mazharul Islam called the decision “unprecedented”, saying he vacated his hall after his studentship ended. 

Social Welfare Secretary Ahsan Labib questioned the legal basis for a separate rule for elected representatives. 

JU unit Chhatra Dal Convener Zahir Uddin Mohammad Babar alleged the administration was granting Jucsu leaders “unjustified privileges”. 

Bangladesh Chhatra Union’s JU unit said, “When remaining in the student representative position itself becomes unlawful after a student’s regular studentship ends, it is highly inappropriate for the administration to issue a notice allowing them to continue staying in the halls.” 

Defending the decision, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Mohammad Nazrul Islam said elected representatives are mandated to serve for one year under the Jucsu constitution and need to remain in halls to discharge those responsibilities. 

He said conflicting provisions in the constitution forced the administration to choose the interpretation it believed best served students.