JN Hall students fear building collapse

A 'building-collapse' fear sparked among the residential students of the hall, especially among the residents of hall's old-aged East Building, as it was 'jolted heavily' by the earthquake. They came out of the building running and took shelter at open space.

Some residents of the building said the building was jolted heavily by Saturday night's earthquake and they feared that it might collapse, adding, the building is now beyond renovation.

At a meeting at late Saturday night, resident students demanded a new building as early as possible as they 'do not want to be victims of another building collapse as happened in 1985'.

Provost of the hall Prof Nim Chandra Bhoumik was also present at the meeting.

Thirty-nine students and employees and some of their relatives died in a building collapse at Jagannath Hall on October 15 in 1985. Since then the day is being observed as DU Mourning Day.

VC Prof SMA Faiz could not be contacted for his comment in this regard. Some students quoting the VC said he assured them to consider their demand.

DU Chief Engineer Md Amir Hossain told The Daily Star that the authorities verbally informed him about the students' demand but yet to send any formal letter to inspect the building.