Eight years on, construction of JU admin building yet to start

‎Bangla Press Desk:   Jahangirnagar University (JU) is yet to begin construction of its proposed new administrative building despite eight years passed since approval of a project under which the authorities will construct various infrastructures in phases including the building.

Highlighting persistent bureaucratic and planning complications, the 10-storey building under the project titled "further development project," remains stalled due to unresolved design and feasibility concerns.

The project, estimated to cost Tk 1.52 billion, was originally approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in 2018, with an initial completion target set for 2023 in three phases.

Work on the first phase commenced in May 2019 with an allocation of approximately Tk 1.45 billion, focusing on the construction of six residential halls -- three for male students and three for females. Following the completion of this phase, the second phase formally began on May 27, 2022. This phase included plans for multiple infrastructures such as a sports complex, lecture theatres, playgrounds, and residential buildings for faculty and staff.

However, while several components of the second phase are currently underway, construction of the administrative building has not yet started.

Speaking to the FE on the matter, JU Planning and Development Office Acting Director Engineer Nasir Uddin, said, "The tender process can only begin after receiving clear approval from the ministry."

Once the final design is obtained from the relevant authorities, further planning will be carried out through the concerned ministry, according to the acting director.

"The proposed building is recommended to be constructed on approximately 7,000 square metres of land on the northern side of the existing administrative building. In this regard, the university authorities have already sent a letter to the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC), which is currently under process at the ministry," he added.

"The project has faced some delays due to student protests and movements over tree cutting," he said. "However, the administration is working on the matter and hopes to take effective steps very soon."