Leaders of Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union, or JAKSU, have rejected an administrative decision allowing elected JAKSU and hall union representatives to remain in university-assigned dormitories until their terms end, even after their student status expires. The decision was announced in a notice signed by acting registrar Dr A B M Azizur Rahman on July 29. JAKSU leaders and student organisation representatives criticised the move on social media.

The notice said students elected to posts in JAKSU and hall unions could stay in assigned halls for the duration of their respective terms. However, Clause 5(ta) of the university’s Student Discipline Ordinance-2018 requires students to leave halls within seven days after their academic life ends. JAKSU social service and human resource development secretary Ahsan Labib said JAKSU had not made such a demand and called for the office order to be withdrawn.

Executive member Nabila Binte Harun alleged the administration was using JAKSU to legitimise an opportunity for others to stay unlawfully and demanded rejection of the decision. Student Dal convenor Jahiruddin Mohammad Babar questioned differing treatment of expired students, while Student Shakti president Ziauddin Ayan asked whether separate rules were being created for ordinary students and JAKSU leaders.