The authorities of Aliah University restored the power and water connection to its hostels following protests from the students who argued that any move to evict them goes against the state government’s directive.
The university had cited the pandemic and snapped the power and water supply to the hostels on January 20 after issuing a notice stating that no service would be available in the hostels till reopening.
The state education department had on January 3 told all universities that hostels would remain closed until further orders and clarified later that students who were unable to leave the campus because of distance or other reasons could stay on.
Mehedi Hasan, who is from Pabna district of Bangladesh and is pursuing a BTech programme in computer science, said he could not leave for home following fear of getting infected during travel.
The third-year student said while attending the online viva on January 20 the power was snapped. “The power was restored only after the students protested before the university’s registrar, citing the government order,” said Hasan, who is among the 50-odd students who are staying.
The hostels accommodate over 1,100 students.
Another student said since the power was disconnected, the water pumps could not be operated.
Quazi Alfred, the chairman of the hostel, said even though they have restored the connections, they still want the students to vacate the hostels. “Several staff tested positive and are under home isolation. So, it is not possible for us to take care of the students. Those who want to stay have to write to the authorities, stating valid reasons,” he said.
