Many students at Jagannath University (JnU) are attending classes and sitting for exams wearing helmets following an incident in which chunks of ceiling plaster fell and injured two students.
On Wednesday morning, during a class in a seminar room of the Mathematics Department, plaster suddenly fell from the ceiling, leaving two students from the 2024–25 academic session — Tanvir Niaz Fahim and Mahfuzur Rahman Mitul — injured.
The incident has sparked widespread panic among students.
Students said several academic buildings at the university have long been in a risky condition, with multiple instances of ceiling plaster falling in different rooms, including a previous incident in a teachers’ room in the same department.
Amid growing safety concerns, students of the 18th batch of the Mathematics Department have started wearing helmets during classes and examinations.
A student, Naeem, said there is no way to predict when plaster might fall. “So, we are forced to use helmets for our own safety,” he added.
Another student, Nayan, said, “Yesterday, my two classmates were injured, yet the administration has not taken any action. Classes and exams are still ongoing. Sitting in such risky classrooms makes us feel unsafe, so I came to take the exam wearing a helmet.”
Meanwhile, leaders of the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) criticised the administration, alleging that the authorities have long neglected the condition of vulnerable buildings.
They warned that a major accident could occur without immediate renovation.
Students also said many classrooms are unfit for use, but academic activities are continuing there due to a lack of alternatives.
They also demanded the rapid implementation of the university’s second campus project in Keraniganj.
Chief Engineer Helal Uddin Patowary said risky areas have already been identified and renovation plans are underway.
He added that cracks in the main structure were not visible earlier due to false ceilings, which are now being removed.
Design and cost estimates for the renovation of the Science Building have also been prepared, he said.