The 2024 mass uprising that ousted the previous regime has also brought notable changes to campus life at public universities, resolving long-standing accommodation issues and improving the quality of food in hall canteens.

For years, first-year students at several public universities were forced to live in overcrowded dormitories, often referred to as “Gono Rooms,” where up to 20 students shared spaces designed for only four. This overcrowding disrupted studies, eroded privacy, and made it difficult for newcomers to adapt to university life.

Many attributed this situation to the now-banned student organisation, Chhatra League, which allegedly manipulated dormitory assignments to retain political influence and often compelled freshers to participate in its activities. Some leaders were accused of occupying multiple rooms and continuing to reside in the halls years after graduation, exacerbating the artificial shortage of seats.

Following the regime’s fall on August 5, 2024, dormitories have been cleared of political occupation, ending the Gono Room system that had symbolized years of student exploitation.

At Jahangirnagar University (JU), every first-year student now receives a single bed from the start. “I was worried about being placed in a Gono Room and facing political pressure,” said KM Jadid Bin Khalid, a first-year journalism student living in Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall. “But I was pleasantly surprised to be assigned a spacious four-seater room with all the necessary facilities.”

Aminur, a second-year International Relations student, reflected on his experience: “Even though JU is meant to be fully residential, we were packed into Gono Rooms during our first year. Now, each fresher gets a proper seat and essential amenities. The improvements are encouraging, and we hope this continues.”

He also noted that hall canteen food quality has improved significantly under the new administration.

Canteen operators reported similar benefits. Many had previously been forced to provide free meals to Chhatra League members, which affected both revenue and food quality.

“When they were here, we had unpaid bills worth around Tk 40,000 because we had to provide free meals,” said Mohammad Zewel, owner of Mowlana Bhashani Hall canteen. “Now, without political interference, we can purchase better ingredients and serve quality meals.”

The number of daily customers has more than doubled, from around 100 to over 200–220 students per meal. Nearby eateries, including Radhuni Hotel in Bot Tola, reported similar improvements after political pressures eased.

“I still have dues of at least Tk 50,000 from previous Chhatra League members,” said owner Mohammad Ripon. “With the political interference gone, our food quality has improved. However, as hall canteens have also improved, more students now eat there.”

Most canteen and local restaurant owners at JU said they no longer face extortion or interference from political groups and are operating smoothly. “Previously, I spent Tk 25,000–30,000 a day on groceries. Now, it’s down to Tk 10,000–15,000,” Ripon added.

Despite these positive changes, some dormitories still house non-student residents. JU has 21 halls serving around 13,000 regular students. According to Proctor Prof AKM Rashidul Alam, about 1,100 former students—900 in male dorms and 200 in female dorms—still occupy hall rooms.

“This data was collected three months ago. We will conduct an updated survey and take steps to evict non-student occupants before the new batch arrives,” Prof Rashidul said.

JU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Sohel Ahmed confirmed that the university administration is planning to remove former students who continue to occupy dormitories despite having completed their studies.