Two students at Jagannath University have been injured after a section of ceiling plaster collapsed during a scheduled class, raising renewed concerns over the safety of ageing campus infrastructure. The incident occurred at approximately 10:00 am on Wednesday inside a seminar room located in the university’s Science Building.
The injured students have been identified as Mahfuzur Rahman and Tanvir Niaz Fahim, both from the Department of Mathematics and enrolled in the 2024–25 academic session. According to university medical officials, both students received immediate first aid at the university’s medical centre before being discharged, as their injuries were assessed as not life-threatening.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the class was in progress when a portion of the ceiling suddenly gave way, sending fragments of plaster onto the students seated below. Panic spread briefly among those present, and fellow classmates quickly assisted the injured before transporting them to the medical facility.
A fellow student, Tanzil Al Sium of the 2022–23 Mathematics cohort, described the incident as sudden and alarming. He stated that the plaster fell without warning, striking two students directly and disrupting the ongoing lecture. Following initial treatment, the injured individuals were sent home for rest and observation.
Details of the Incident
| Name | Department | Academic Session | Type of Injury | Immediate Action Taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahfuzur Rahman | Mathematics | 2024–25 | Head and upper body impact | First aid at university medical centre |
| Tanvir Niaz Fahim | Mathematics | 2024–25 | Shoulder injury | First aid at university medical centre |
Students have long raised concerns regarding the structural condition of several older buildings on campus. According to student representatives, a number of facilities have been classified as potentially hazardous in the past, leading to temporary suspension of classes. However, they allege that subsequent renovation work has been insufficient and largely cosmetic, failing to address underlying structural weaknesses.
University sources confirmed that Vice-Chancellor Professor Reais Uddin visited the site shortly after the incident. During his inspection, he instructed the relevant engineering and administrative departments to take immediate corrective measures. He also emphasised the need to identify and secure vulnerable sections of campus buildings to prevent further incidents.
The incident triggered strong reactions from students of the Mathematics Department, who staged a protest in front of the administrative building. Demonstrators submitted a memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor demanding urgent structural repairs across ageing academic buildings. They warned that failure to act swiftly could lead to more serious accidents in the future.
Education safety experts note that falling plaster in active classrooms often indicates deeper structural degradation, including moisture damage, weakened roofing materials, or inadequate maintenance over time. They stress that regular safety audits and comprehensive renovation programmes are essential in preventing such incidents in densely populated educational institutions.
In response, the university administration is reportedly considering the formation of a technical review committee to assess the condition of all older campus structures. Authorities have assured that a detailed inspection will be conducted, and necessary remedial actions will be prioritised to ensure the safety of students and staff.