Jahangirnagar University (JU) authorities are set to cut down trees once again to construct an extended building for the Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, sparking protests from students.

The initiative is part of a Tk 1,445 crore mega-development project involving 12 infrastructure ventures, including six 10-storey dormitories already completed, according to JU's engineering office.

Over 1,000 trees have reportedly been felled under the project so far.

The proposed six-storey academic facility will span over 141,000 square feet and cost approximately Tk 60 crore.

This afternoon, students staged a human chain in protest. They expressed disappointment, noting that many faculty members of the current administration had opposed similar construction during the previous administration but are now supporting the same actions.

Riddha Anindya Ganguly, general secretary of a faction of the Bangladesh Students' Union JU unit, said, "We will not allow a single tree to be cut without a master plan."

However, university officials argue that the chosen site will cause minimal environmental damage.

Chief Engineer Nasir Uddin, director of the development project and member secretary of the Technical Management Committee (TMC), said, "A four-member Biodiversity Impact Assessment Committee led by Professor Saleh Ahmed Khan of the Botany Department assessed the biodiversity at each site. Based on their assessment, the current site was finalised."

Nasir added that about 40 trees would be felled for the project. When asked why construction was proceeding without a master plan, he said, "Preparing a master plan is a lengthy process. On November 18, 2024, we requested Tk 4.11 crore from the UGC (University Grant Commission) for this purpose, but have yet to receive a response. We cannot afford further delays, as the project is scheduled to be completed by December 2026. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of funds or an extension of the budget."

JU Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan could not be reached over the phone for comment.