Frequent burglary at Jahangirnagar University has become a growing concern among the students, but whether the university's present security capacity can ensure students' property is open to question.
Residential students have complained that the intensity of such crimes have been increased recently as the university is now on a 15-day Eid holidays that will continue till September 6.
Students have complained that burglars are taking away computers, laptops, mobiles and cash from the hall rooms.
They have also alleged that the university authorities could not take steps against such crimes in the past and at present as the factions of ruling party's students' bodies are always involved in the matters.
They have referred to a pilferage incident at Shahid Salam Barkat Hall about three months ago in which some members of Chhatra League pilfered some mobile i-top cards form a shop inside the hall, but the hall authorities did not take any punitive action against the accused.
They have also said that the burglars and pilfers have got a great opportunity now as two-third students left the halls on Eid occasions.
Third year pharmacy student Walid, also a resident of Shahid Salam Barkat Hall, has said, 'Pilfers took away three mobiles and a cheque for Tk 70,000 from my room on August 20 while I was in sleep.'
Responding a question whether the hall authorities will take any steps to investigate the incident, the hall provost, Farid Ahmed, has said that they are mulling over forming a probe body and taking steps to recover the stolen objects.
The students of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall have further said that they now feel insecure about staying in halls during holidays.
They have alleged that a laptop was stolen from a room of the hall, but the hall security personnel failed to catch anybody responsible or recover the device.
They have feared that more burglary can take place if the authorities concerned fail to ensure adequate security measures during seven-day hall vacancy from August 29.
Mawlana Bhashani Hall students have said that they cannot rely on the hall security measures during holidays as more than five computers and other precious objects were stolen by breaking into several rooms during last long-holiday.
Referring to various theft incidents at Bhashani Hall during holidays, a resident Tausif Hasnain have said that the burglars get an easy opportunity during vacation as in this time the hall remains almost vacant.
He has also said that a group of burglars have been conducting their activities in holidays.
Some other students have observed that restriction should be imposed on outsiders' entering the halls.
University security officer Azim Uddin said on Wednesday that they had beefed up security measures during holidays with additional police force and guards.
Mir Mossaraf Hossain Hall provost Emdadul Haque told New Age that the university authorities had already restricted outsiders' movement on the campus during Eid holidays.
Proctor Arzu Mia has asked the students to be aware of their security and should take measures of their own to stop burglary while the vice-chancellor Shariff Enamul Kabir has expressed his hope that they will be able to stop theft and pilferage this time at any cost.
Source : New Age
