Jagannath University barred journalists from an emergency meeting on August 15 despite formally inviting media outlets a day earlier to cover it. The meeting, held at 3:30pm in the vice-chancellor’s office conference room, concerned clashes and tensions involving supporters of Shibir and Chhatra Dal during an August 4 July Uprising Day 2026 event.

The university’s public relations, information and publication office had asked editors to send one reporter and one cameraperson. Its letter said local members of parliament, prominent and leading figures from Old Dhaka, and senior law-enforcement officials were expected to attend. It also said participants would discuss the incident and exchange views on steps toward a resolution.

Journalists who arrived were told the meeting was not open to them. Press club official Md Rokonuzzaman Golam Rabbi and other reporters criticized the decision as disrespectful to the media and indicative of poor coordination. Public relations director Dr Mohammad Anwarus Salam described the situation as a “misunderstanding,” saying the meeting was closed-door and journalists could not enter. Attempts to contact Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Rais Uddin were unsuccessful.