Jagannath University students rally demanding right to celebrate Kali Puja

Student says the university administration should step down if they cannot ensure security during religious festivals

Hindu students at Jagannath University have accused the university administration of interfering in their religious freedom, demanding permission to celebrate Kali Puja and establish a temple on campus.

Leaders of several student organisations, including the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad, and Socialist Students' Front, expressed solidarity with their demands.

The protesters held a rally at the Shanto Chattar on Thursday afternoon, alleging that the administration had interfered in their religious freedom and made derogatory comments about the Kali Puja.

They later took a procession to the administrative building and handed a memorandum to the vice-chancellor’s office.

According to the students, when they first approached the proctor for permission to hold the Kali Puja, he verbally agreed, but later denied formal approval citing “security concerns”.

They claimed the proctor, Tazammol Hoque, said: “Kali Puja is a North Indian festival.”

When the students met Vice-Chancellor Rezaul Karim, he reportedly told them that “no new religious traditions will be allowed on campus”.

At the rally, the Sanatan Bidyarthi Sangsad’s president, Suman Kumar Das, said the demand for a central temple persisted since the university’s founding.

“The administration says they cannot ensure our safety. If you cannot ensure our security, you should step down, safety is our right as students,” he said.

In response, Tazammol told bdnews24.com that the issue arose from a “misunderstanding”. He said the discussion about North Indian traditions was taken out of context.

When asked whether permission for the Puja would now be granted, he said: “We initially gave verbal consent, but due to the upcoming University Day and JnUCSU election, we wanted to avoid any possible unrest.”

“We asked them to skip it just for this year, and they initially agreed. Had they not, perhaps the permission would have been granted. But now, it’s too late,” he added.