BHU extends hostel stay for Bangladeshi students amid unrest back home

"The decision has been taken in the interest of students who have completed their studies in the university and were to vacate hostels as mandated on the completion of the program," a BHU statement said. The university will not charge any fees for their extended stay, it added.

EPN Desk 06 August 2024 08:55

In the wake of the ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has allowed Bangladeshi students who have completed their courses to remain in university hostels until the situation in their home country stabilizes.

"Banaras Hindu University has decided to allow Bangladeshi pass out students staying on campus to continue in hostels till the situation normalizes in that country," read a statement from the university dated Aug 6.

"The decision has been taken in the interest of students who have completed their studies in the university and were to vacate hostels as mandated on the completion of the program," it said. The university will not charge any fees for their extended stay.

“The university will waive all hostel fees for these students, who will not be charged any guest fees during their extended stay”, said Prof SVS Raju, Coordinator of the International Center.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left Dhaka amidst escalating violence and protests on Aug 5.

The army chief General Waker-uz-Zaman confirmed Hasina's resignation and announced the formation of an interim government to manage the country.

“We have assured the students that if they face any other difficulties while staying on campus, the university will take necessary measures to address their concerns. Our goal is to provide them with all possible assistance until the situation in Bangladesh normalizes," Prof Raju said.

Each year, BHU hosts hundreds of international students, a significant portion of whom come from Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, over 8,000 Indian students have left Bangladesh amid the month-long protest that has taken over 300 lives till now.

The violence began last month with protests led by student groups against reserved quotas in government jobs.

The protests over the quota system had initially paused after the Supreme Court struck down most of the quotas on July 21. However, it resumed last week with demands for a public apology from Hasina, restoration of internet services, reopening of educational institutions, and the release of arrested individuals.

The Students Against Discrimination group, which spearheaded the previous protests, is now leading the current demonstrations.