Jagannath University (JnU) is facing a severe budget shortfall that is hampering its academic and institutional development.
Students and teachers of the university claim that the disparity in funding severely affects classroom infrastructure, research facilities, and overall learning conditions.
JnU students staged a protest march and sit-in at the campus today, demanding an end to budget discrimination.
They placed four demands, including an increased allocation in the 2025–26 national budget and housing facilities for at least 70 percent of students.
The protest march began at 12:00pm from the university’s Shanto Chattar, went through the Science and Social Science buildings, and concluded in front of Rafiq Bhaban.
“Most public universities receive timely and adequate funding from the UGC, yet Jagannath University is consistently left behind,” a student speaker said. “In times of national crisis, our students are always on the front lines. Why are we then forgotten when it comes to funding?”
According to sources at the UGC, JnU was allocated Tk 154 crore for the 2024–25 fiscal year to support around 19,000 students.
In contrast, Dhaka University (DU) received Tk 804 crore for 37,000 students, Jahangirnagar University (JU) was given Tk 279 crore for 14,000 students, Rajshahi University (RU) received Tk 479 crore for 32,000 students, and Chittagong University (CU) got Tk 397 crore for 27,000 students.
“The budget disparity is a serious barrier to our education. We are deprived of essential research opportunities, laboratory access, and quality classrooms,” said Tasmia Sarker, a student of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism.
Housing remains a major issue, as well.
While DU has 23 dormitories, RU 17, JU 21, and CU 10, JnU has only one dormitory, and it is exclusively for female students.
Masud Rana, a student of the physics department, said, “The lack of dormitories means we have to rent expensive private housing, which is a financial burden. We urge the UGC to allocate funds proportionately based on student numbers.”
Addressing the disparity, Vice Chancellor Prof Rezaul Karim said, “We have long been victims of budgetary discrimination. We urge the authorities to ensure a fair and justified budget so our students can enjoy a proper academic environment.”
“The country’s public universities urgently require a neutral, needs-based budget allocation policy,” said Prof Munira Jahan, director of the Institute of education and research (IER) at Jagannath university.
“Such a system would ensure equitable funding based on actual institutional requirements and help maintain the quality of higher education,” she added.