At least 12 students of Jagannath University were hospitalised at Dhaka National Medical Institute after falling ill during a mass hunger strike staged to press home their three-point demands.

The students fell ill around 9:45pm last night (January 12) while continuing their strike.

The hunger strike began earlier that day at 8:30am. Around 6:15pm, the university's vice-chancellor met with the protesting students and discussed their demands. However, the students insisted on the presence of representatives from the University Grants Commission and the education ministry.

Expressing solidarity with the protesters, the VC urged the students to end their strike. When they refused, the VC, along with the treasurer and the proctor, briefly joined the hunger strike but left after about 30 minutes.

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JnU students stage hunger strike, demand army takeover of second campus project

Speaking to the protesters, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Rezaual Karim said, "I fully support your demands. A letter addressing your concerns has already been sent to the ministry today. We have been closely monitoring the situation and are in constant communication with the administration. There has been visible progress, and we assure you that we will work to meet your demands. A committee, including student representatives, will be formed to address the issues."

The three demands of Jagannath University students are as follows: The agreement to transfer the development of the second campus to the army must be signed immediately; the construction of the steel-based structures for Bani Bhaban and Dr Habibur Rahman Hall in Old Dhaka must begin and be completed without delay; and until housing facilities are ensured, 70% of students must be provided with housing allowances.