Jahangirnagar University (JU) has entered a new era overcoming the accommodation crisis of its students by ensuring that freshers in the 2023-24 academic year get single beds from their very first day on campus, effectively ending the notorious “ganoroom” culture.

For years, first-year students of the university were forced to live in overcrowded dormitories, with up to 15 students crammed into rooms meant for only four.

This overcrowded situation not only deprived them of their privacy but also hampered their studies and made it difficult for them to adapt to university life.

The university administration under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan has taken decisive actions to ensure that every new student has access to adequate and comfortable accommodation.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to prioritise student welfare and create a positive academic atmosphere.

Md Bappibur Rahman, a first-year student of the Microbiology Department, expressed his satisfaction with his accommodation in Mir Mosharraf Hossain Hall.

“I was initially concerned about political pressure in a ganoroom, but I was pleasantly surprised to be placed in a three-person room with two friends from my department,” said Bappibur, stressing the importance of maintaining this improved environment in the future.

JU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof M Mahfuzur Rahman, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Sohel Ahmed, and Provost Committee Chairman Professor Nazrul Islam visited several halls on Saturday when the freshers started moving into their allotted rooms.

Following the visit, Prof Nazrul Islam, who also serves as the provost of Fazilatunnesa Hall, said, “Our combined efforts have succeeded, and every fresher received their expected seat. We have sent the ‘ganoroom’ to the museum, as per the vice chancellor’s directives, with the help of the hall provosts. We hope this progress will continue in the future.”

Professor Mahfuzur Rahman added, “I have visited five halls so far, and the overall atmosphere is excellent and joyful. It’s a moment of great pride for all of us.”

JU Vice-Chancellor Professor Kamrul Ahsan stated, “As a result of the mass uprising of students and the public, we have been entrusted with various responsibilities. We are committed to ensuring a conducive educational environment for them. Measures have already been taken to abolish ganoroom culture and to combat ragging and drug abuse on campus.”