Jagannath University on Monday marked its 20th year of receiving university status, but the anniversary celebrations were subdued following the murder of a student of the university.
On October 19, JnU student Jobayed Hossain, also a leader of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, was killed at a house in Old Dhaka.
Jagannath College was officially upgraded to a public university on October 20, 2005.
The anniversary celebrations were originally scheduled for October 22, but adjusted later to avoid overlapping with the Hindu festival of Kali Puja.
JnU vice-chancellor Md Rezaul Karim said, 鈥楽ince its establishment in 2005, we have celebrated University Day each year with enthusiasm. However, due to the recent tragic incident, the atmosphere at the university has become heavy with grief.鈥�
鈥楾herefore, we decided to keep this year鈥檚 event modest. We remain committed to the overall progress and well-being of Jagannath University, and our efforts in this regard will continue,鈥� he said.
The programme began at 9:00am with the vice-chancellor inaugurating the event by releasing pigeons.
At about 9:45am, a colourful rally participated by teachers, students, officials and staff set out from the Vice-Chancellor鈥檚 office, passed through the main university gate, circled Bahadur Shah Park and returned to the campus.
The day鈥檚 events concluded with a discussion held on the Faculty of Science ground.
鈥楨very year, University Day is celebrated with songs and dance. But this time, the entire campus is in mourning,鈥� said Tanzim, a student of the public administration department.
