Students at Barishal University commence a hunger strike, enforcing a three-point demand; University Vice-Chancellor shows support and allegiance.

Barishal University Students Continue Hunger Strike for Third Week

Students at Barishal University have been on a hunger strike for the past 37 days, demanding urgent improvement of the university's infrastructure, expansion of the campus, and resolution of the transportation crisis. The strike, which began on September 4, 2022, has entered a new phase, and the students have issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the university to address their infrastructure demands.

Seven students – Sharmila Zaman Senjuti, Amiya Mandal, Tajul Islam Taj, Abubakar Siddique, Piyal Hasan, Tamim Ahmed Riaz, and Shawkat Osman Sakkhar – are participating in the hunger strike. Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Taufiq Alam spent the night with the protesting students to show support and maintain a peaceful environment.

The students have held two press conferences and 'occupied' Novo theatre and Bitac in an attempt to gain attention for their cause. They have also demanded the removal of the vice-rector within the last few weeks. However, no official has been removed, and the VC has stated that progress on the students' demands will be made public within the next week.

Associate Professor Rahat Hossain Faisal, the university proctor, acknowledged that the students' demands are reasonable. He stated that the students started the hunger strike because they have lost faith in the system. Despite development work and land acquisition ongoing at the university, the students feel that their demands have not been addressed. Tajul Islam Taj, another student, echoed this sentiment, stating that despite these actions, no one has responded to their demands.

Shawkat Osman Sakkhar, a student on hunger strike, added that the University Grants Commission (UGC) has not contacted them since the start of their protest. The hunger strike has caused a disruption to traffic on the Dhaka-Kuakata route, highlighting the impact of the students' actions.

The students have declared they will continue their hunger strike until all demands are met. The VC's promise of progress within the next week will be closely watched by the students and the wider community, as they await resolution to the issues that have sparked this prolonged protest.