JU still operates its lone auditorium without basic modernisation

Zahir Raihan Auditorium of Jahangirnagar University, Savar.

Jobayer Hossen Jakir,

Zahir Raihan Auditorium, the central hub of cultural and political activities at Jahangirnagar University (JU), continues to struggle with outdated facilities despite growing demands for modern infrastructure.

The university authorities rely heavily on its single venue to host convocations, freshers’ receptions, national day programs, cultural performances seminars and international conferences and many other programmes. 

However, the auditorium fails to keep pace and suitable environment with modern standards, forcing students, teachers and guests and other stockholders to face regular inconvenience. 

Audiences frequently survive excessive heat, poor lighting and disruptions from external noise during events. Authorities said these issues have become routine, often affecting the quality and professionalism of programs.

University sources said the auditorium has around 1,500 seats, along with a 250-seat seminar room that hosts year-round academic and cultural activities. Yet, the facilities fail to meet the growing demand.

The auditorium lacks a suitable cooling system, proper lighting, effective soundproofing and sufficient VIP seating creating ongoing challenges; especially during large-scale events. 

The situation worsens in summer. Lack of effective air conditioning or sufficient ventilation, temperatures inside the hall room rise quickly, forcing many other attendees to leave programmes midway. 

Noise pollution remains a major problem as well. Sounds from passing vehicles and surrounding disturbances easily enter the hall room due to weak soundproofing, disrupting speeches, performances and discussions. 

Second-year student Abu Raihan said, "The environment often fails to match the standard of national-level events."

"Both guests and audiences feel uncomfortable due to heat and noise," he added.

Lighting conditions inside the auditorium also remain substandard. Lack of sufficient lighting, stage visibility suffers, especially during theatrical and cultural performances. 

Students also pointed out the lack of proper VIP arrangements. Although organisers reserve some front-row seats, they do not provide enough seating for large events, forcing organizers to make temporary adjustments that fall short of professional standards. 

Robin Hossain, a student of the Drama and Dramatics Department, said that visiting guests often feel uncomfortable compared to facilities at other universities. 

In contrast, institutions such as Dhaka University, Rajshahi University and University of Chittagong have expanded and modernized their auditorium facilities in recent years, incorporating central air conditioning, advanced sound systems and improved lighting.

Despite repeated demands, Jahangirnagar University has yet to implement any visible large-scale renovation of its main auditorium. Questions have emerged over why a major residential university still depends on a single outdated venue.

JUCSU General Secretary Mazharul Islam said, "The issue had been discussed earlier and that complications no longer exist."

"We recently held a meeting on April 6 and agreed to expedite the process. We expect the tender to be floated soon," he added. 

According to university officials, the university’s Tk 1,450 crore development project, approved by ‘Executive Committee of the National Economic Council’ in 2018, included plans to renovate the auditorium along with roads, sidewalk, cycle lanes and the Selim Al Deen Muktamancha. However, implementation has yet to begin. 

The Project Director Engineer Md Nasir Uddin said, "The administration have completed discussions with the Education Engineering Department (EED) and are now reviewing the project." 

"We hope the tender will be invited soon and the work will proceed under their supervision," he added. 

He also said that a consultant from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Prof Dr Nazmul Imam, is reviewing the renovation plan. 

Experts suggest phased renovation as a practical solution. In the short term, they recommend improving soundproofing, lighting, ventilation and temporary cooling system. In the long term, they stress the need for constructing a modern and large-scale auditorium.

JUCSU Vice President Abdur Rashid Jitu said, "Our only auditorium is in a deteriorating condition. Students continue to suffer due to lack of modern facilities." 

Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan said, "The issue is under discussion and steps are being taken to ensure transparency in the tender process." 

"We cancelled previous tenders due to irregularities. Now the project has been finalized and a fresh tender will be floated soon," he added. 

The University's stakeholders warn that without a structured and timely plan, the university may face growing challenges in hosting major academic and cultural events and emphasize that a modern auditorium is essential for sustaining a vibrant university life. - UNB