The Jagannath University (JnU) is one of the most prominent public universities in Bangladesh, with nearly 20,000 students currently enrolled. Despite its academic reputation, the university faces a long-standing and deeply troubling issue: a severe housing crisis.
The JnU is the only public university in the country without a residential hall for male students. The only existing hall for female students is severely overcrowded. Even there, students face daily struggles, including gas shortages, long queues to cook, and substandard food quality.
Although there was once a residential hall for male students, it has since been occupied by outsiders. As a result, the majority of students are forced to rent costly, often unsafe, and unhygienic accommodations in Old Dhaka. The financial burden is heavy-many students must take on private tuition or part-time jobs just to pay rent, leaving little time or energy to focus on academics.
Students from lower-income families suffer the most. Some cannot afford to pay rent at all by the end of the month, putting their education at risk. It is heartbreaking to see students so desperate that they retake admission exams simply to transfer to universities where housing is available.
Even more distressing is that some students commute daily from faraway districts like Cumilla, Manikganj, or Narsingdi to avoid the high cost of living in Dhaka. This daily travel brings immense physical and mental stress, ultimately harming their academic performance.
The lack of proper accommodation also robs students of vital opportunities for social, cultural, and emotional development. It tarnishes the university's reputation and fuels frustration and resentment among the student body.
It is imperative that the university administration and government take immediate and effective action. Temporary housing solutions should be provided at the new Keraniganj campus, and a fair monthly allowance could be introduced to ease the burden on students. Most importantly, the construction of new residential halls must begin without further delay.
Mst. Mishkatul Islam Mumu
Student
Jagannath University
mishkatislam102@gmail.com
