"We want the affairs of the university to be run under a democratic system, the absence of which has pushed us to an uncertain academic future. Our predicament is of least concern to the authorities. This has forced us to go on the hunger strike," said Shafiq, a striker and third-year student of computer and electronics.

In the face of ongoing class boycott by teachers and student agitation, JU authorities yesterday announced a special meeting of the university senate to be held on February 19 to nominate a three-member panel of vice-chancellor (VC) candidates, a longstanding demand of JU Teachers' Association (Juta).

But the move fell flat with the teachers unmoved by the gesture as well as hunger strikers vowing to continue their fast until classes resume and examinations are held.

Professor Amin Mohammad Ali, president of Juta, called the move a farce and criticised the VC for 'dilly-dallying' with announcing the election schedule. Juta spearheaded the class boycott programme and has been demanding the vice-chancellor's resignation among other demands.

At around 10:00am yesterday, over 2,000 students brought out processions from all 10 university dormitories and gathered in front of Amar Ekushey, a sculpture in front of the Social Science Faculty.

The agitating students later blockaded the Administrative Building and locked its entrances with pro-VCs Enamul Haq Khan and M Imamuddin, Treasurer ABM Enayet Hossain, Proctor Moshiur Rahman as well as officers and employees inside the building.

They also locked up the on-campus branch of Agrani Bank, the Examination Office and Transport Office after driving out officials and employees.

Students also snapped telephone connections to the buildings at noon.

Pro-VC M Imamuddin met student representatives at around 11:00am and agreed to announce within 24 hours the date of resuming classes. The students threatened to blockade the VC's office and teachers' quarters, if things go otherwise.

Sources said VC Prof Jasim Uddin Ahmed did not go to office since student agitation began Monday, while officials close to the VC said he was busy holding meetings with government high-ups in a bid to solve the academic deadlock.

Earlier, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) activists locked the gates of men's dormitories at 6:00am and asked students to join a JCD procession at 11:00am instead of the general students' procession. Later, the JCD men opened the gates following protests by residents.

On Monday night, JCD activists beat up two leaders of Bangladesh Chhatra League for participating in Monday's general students' agitation.

Meanwhile, Juta has threatened to continue the class boycott programme unless the JCD activists who allegedly manhandled teachers on August 10 are punished. "The probe body formed to investigate the incident has not submitted its report yet," the Juta president said.