Dhaka: A controversy surrounding a beef khichuri gathering near a temple at Dhaka's Jagannath University has escalated into a wider dispute involving campus regulations, religious sensitivities, and student organizing rights. A faction of students has announced intentions to slaughter cows on campus on Friday, coinciding with the beginning of Durga Puja festivities.
The friction began when students from the Department of Islamic History and Culture organized a beef khichuri cookout near the university's open-air stage close to the central campus temple. Hindu students subsequently objected to the proximity of the event, arguing it infringed upon their religious sentiments. Following intervention by university proctorial staff, the organizers relocated further away from the temple and apologized for any misunderstanding.
Additional tensions arose after allegations that organizers utilized bricks belonging to the temple to construct a temporary cooking stove. Although the organizers quickly removed the bricks and switched to an iron stove, aggrieved Hindu students staged protests and formed a human chain demanding safeguards for campus religious sites and an impartial inquiry.
In response to the growing tensions, university officials initially issued a notice requesting that students, faculty, and staff refrain from slaughtering animals on campus, citing hygiene regulations and municipal guidelines. However, this directive drew backlash from students who perceived it as an infringement on their rights, prompting the administration to issue a clarifying statement apologizing for the confusion and affirming that students retained the right to organize campus events.
The university's subsequent clarification failed to defuse the situation, prompting students to schedule a protest beef feast and cow slaughter event for Friday, coinciding with Maha Shashthi. Organizers indicated that the upcoming gathering would be held near the Arts Building rather than the temple area, while student representatives and university administrators have continued discussions to address the unfolding situation.