"We have already taken various steps. The hall provosts and house tutors are supervising the cleanliness programme," said Prof SMA Faiz, the vice-chancellor of DU.

In November last year, about 500 students of Jasimuddin, Ziaur Rahman and Bangabandhu halls were affected by jaundice and two of them died.

As the DU authorities did not take any effective steps instantly, the disease continued to affect students. On average five patients are going to the university medical centre every day for treatment. Last week 36 jaundice patients were detected.

Doctors at the medical centre blame contaminated water for the outbreak.

"In these hot and humid days, students drink sugarcane juice from the vendors which may also cause jaundice," said Dr Syed Ullah, a senior medical officer of DU.

The students said the water supplied in the halls cause the disease.

"I have been suffering for three days. My blood test report is positive and doctors have advised me to take rest," said Saidul Islam, a student.

The VC on May 25 held a meeting with hall provosts and house tutors and decided to take various measures to fight the frequent outbreak of jaundice.

"We are trying to build awareness among our students. We have asked them not to drink water or eat food from outside," said Mahbubur Rahman, provost of Jasimuddin Hall.

He said the germs of jaundice inflict the students who take unhygienic foods and drinks from roadside restaurants in and around the campus.

"Drinking boiled water is a solution. So we have taken steps to reserve boiled water in plastic tanks for serving to the students," he added.

Students allege most of the canteens and dining rooms of the halls remain in dirty condition as the process of cooking and washing dishes is very unhygienic.

The authorities do not take any action against the dining and canteen management. The canteen managers however said they try to keep the canteens clean.