It is my great pleasure to introduce you all to the historic Jagannath Hall, a dormitory of the students of the University of Dhaka. The Jagannath Hall is situated almost at the center of the campus. It began its long and glorious journey in 1921, following the recommendation of the Calcutta University Commission, along with two other halls: Dacca Hall (now Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah Hall) and Muslim Hall (Sir Salimullah Muslim Hall). The hall was named by the generous zamindar Kishorilal Roy of Baliati, Manikganj, in honor of his father, Jagannath Roy. Since its inception, Jagannath Hall has stood as a silent witness to numerous significant historical events — from the Language Movement of 21st February 1952, to the Glorious War of Liberation in 1971. In recent times, it has also played a role in the July Revolution and the Student–Worker–People’s Uprising against fascism in 2024. It is worth mentioning that the residential character of the University of Dhaka is reflected through its halls. The Jagannath Hall started with 313 enrolled students, out of which 101 were residential and the rest were non-resident. Currently, the total number of enrolled students is about 2500. Professor Dr. Naresh Chandra Sen-Gupta from the Law Department was the first Provost of this hall. Prof. Sen-Gupta made substantial contributions to Bengali literature through his excellent essays, short stories, dramas, and novels, apart from his legal practice and writings on law. This hall has been blessed by several legendary scholars like Nobel Laureate Poet Rabindranath Tagore, National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, and the Novelist Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, by making their visits during the tenure of the second Provost of the hall, Prof. Dr. Ramesh Chandra Majumdar. From 1921 to the present time, students affiliated with this hall have contributed significantly to education, research, and cultural and political movements, raising strong voices to oppose injustice and to establish humanity and the rule of law. Jagannath Hall has nurtured generations of distinguished individuals—including scientists, professors, government officials, writers, athletes, and political leaders—by providing residential support to its affiliated students under the University of Dhaka. Many have shown excellent performances in their respective fields, both in the national and international arenas. Along the path of its historic and jubilant journey, the hall has experienced some unforgettable tragedies during the great war of liberation of Bangladesh in 1971 and on 15th October, 1985. Among the first targets to be massacred by the Pakistani Army under the ‘Operation Search Light’ on 25 March 1971, Jagannath Hall was one of them. Famous philosopher, teacher, and researcher Professor Govinda Chandra Dev, who was residing near a building of Jagannath Hall along with other teachers and staff of this Hall, was brutally killed by the Pakistani Army. In commemoration, a 'Liberation War Memorial and Mass Tomb' has been built near the place of a mass-grave at Jagannath Hall premises. To show respect to the martyrs, the students of Jagannath Hall sold their own ‘blood’ to bear the costs of placing an epitaph on the tomb, undoubtedly a rare example of this kind. Another tragedy occurred suddenly on October 15, 1985, at 09:00 PM, while students of the hall were watching a popular Bangladesh Television drama serial 'Suktara' in the assembly building, the whole roof of which collapsed due to the day-long heavy rainfall. Within an eyeblink, the great tragedy of history took place. A total of 40 students, including employees and guests were died in this tragic incident. The students of this hall are the main resource, since they are studious, cooperative, intelligent, and friendly, and remain ready to show their love towards mankind and humanity. The hall authority always supports the students to address their legal issues about food and lodging. Along with the residential support, the hall administration works on other facilities for the students in relation to study, sports, cultural programs, and organizing and arranging different festivals of national and religious flavor. The outcome of these activities is also greatly acknowledged by the university authority and the residents Different religious festivals, as arranged over the year by the students of Jagannath Hall, are not only enjoyed by the University of Dhaka family, but also by the people of all walks of life from the Dhaka Metropolis. A few of those are: Shree Shree Saraswati Puja, Shree Shree Durga Puja, Shree Shree Shyama Puja, the holy Buddha Purnima, and the holy Christmas day. These special programs make it different from any other halls of the University. During these festivals, students of the Jagannath Hall and their friends from other halls of the University of Dhaka get an opportunity to form a mass gathering, supported by friendly discussions and a very special kind of refreshment delivery. The dining facility of Jagannath Hall is managed with a strong commitment to maintaining both the quality and taste of the food. Recognizing the diverse needs of its residents, a dedicated vegetarian mess has been established on the ground floor of the Hall Union Building to cater specifically to vegetarian students. This kind of innovative service is unique to Jagannath Hall within the University of Dhaka. In addition to its residential and dining services, Jagannath Hall actively contributes to the educational and cultural enrichment of communities in and around the University of Dhaka campus. To uphold its mission and vision, the hall regularly publishes annual magazines—‘Basantika,’ ‘Shukla,’ ‘Sharod,’ and ‘15 October Smriti Kotha’—which are patronized and supported by the hall administration. The hall is administered by the Provost in close collaboration with a team of experienced and qualified faculty members serving as House Tutors and Assistant House Tutors. This academic leadership is further supported by a team of dedicated officers, staff members, gardeners, and cooks, whose collective efforts ensure vital support for both resident and non-resident students. As the Provost, I—and my office—remain committed to listening to our valued students, esteemed teachers, and respected visitors during mutually convenient, pre-scheduled meetings. Through such engagement and dedication, Jagannath Hall ensures that its legacy of service and excellence will continue for generations to come.
