TDS Desk:

For the second consecutive day, all classes and exams across departments at Jagannath University (JnU) have been halted due to a shutdown on Tuesday.

However, administrative activities in all offices remain operational.

Earlier on Monday night, students called off their hunger strike after getting a written commitment from the ministry addressing their demands.

However, AKM Rakib, a student from the Botany department, announced that the shutdown would continue until a final decision is reached during discussions on Wednesday.

On Tuesday morning, the campus appeared eerily silent, with no signs of teachers or students.

All classes and exams remained suspended, but administrative buildings such as the Vice-Chancellor’s office, the Controller’s Office, and the Medical Center were exempt from the shutdown and continued to function.

Even so, activities in these offices were limited. The main gate of the Shaheed Sajid Academic Building was locked with a banner reading “Shutdown,” but a side gate remained open.

Despite the shutdown, the university’s transport office continued to operate buses on various routes, as confirmed by Deputy Registrar (Transport) Mansur Alam.

He said: “As per schedule, buses went to pick up students this morning and will do the same tomorrow. However, it’s uncertain whether the buses will depart the campus with students this afternoon. If students are available on any route, the buses will operate; otherwise, they won’t.”

Hafizur Rahman, a computer operator at the university’s Student Welfare Office, said a significant decrease in student presence on campus.

He said: “Limited activities are ongoing, and we are assisting those who come. Correspondence between various offices is still taking place.”

Regarding the situation, Jagannath University Registrar Professor Dr Md Sheikh Gias Uddin said: “Despite the complete shutdown, certain tasks are continuing. Since I took charge, no files have been left pending. As per our Citizen Charter, all services, including certificates and mark sheets, are completed within one week of application.”

Previously, students began a hunger strike on Sunday with three demands.

On Monday, they also staged a protest at the Secretariat.

By 8pm on Monday, the ministry agreed to fulfil two out of the three demands, leading to the students ending their hunger strike after 35 hours. However, they announced that the shutdown would continue.