JAHANGIRNAGAR UNIVERSITY, April 3, 2025 (BSS) – As Jahangirnagar University Journalists’ Association (JUJA) marked its 53rd founding anniversary today, it has been serving as an affirmation to truth, integrity and fearless journalism.

Founded on April 3, 1972 as the first campus-based journalist organisation in the independent Bangladesh, JUJA has played a crucial role to safeguard the rights of the students, teachers including other stakeholders, shaping campus policies, exposing realities and upholding ethical journalism.

The association has been instrumental and trustworthy in fostering free and responsible journalism at Jahangirnagar University (JU), ensuring that student voices are taken into consideration and critical issues are highlighted.

JUJA is continuously producing reporters who have demonstrated their excellence in national and international media.

Over the decades, JUJA has been at the forefront of reporting on campus affairs, from academic developments to student movements.

Former members recalled their time at JUJA as formative in their professional careers, emphasizing the organization’s role in nurturing responsible and courageous journalists.

Former JUJA president Md Belal Hossen, who is now working with the national English daily ‘The Business Standard’, shared, “Our journey in JUJA was more than just reporting; it was about standing firm on ethical journalism.”

“The association taught us to prioritize truth over convenience to preserve the rights of the stakeholders within the university and that lesson stays with us,” he added.

Echoing similar sentiments, current JUJA President, Mehedi Mamun, said, “We continue to uphold the legacy left by our predecessors. In an era where disinformation or misinformation spreads rapidly, our responsibility as campus journalists has become even more significant to uphold the real scenario.”

Despite its legacy, the journey has not been without hurdles. JUJA has faced challenges ranging from restrictions on press freedom to threats against campus-based journalists.
However, members have always risen to the occasion, proving that the pen remains mightier than the sword.

Current and former members remembered instances when JUJA members had to face severe consequences for maintaining duty as a journalist.

During the July Uprising last year, several members were shot, physically assaulted by police and became the victims of pellet injuries are the burning example of these consequences.

“We used JUCSU building as our office. The university administration provided us a microbus to carry hand-written news to reach out to the media outlets,” said Syed Shahidul Haque Manzu, a former JUJA president (1980) who was university correspondent of ‘New Nation’ and ‘Dainik Ittefaq,’ reminiscing the nostalgic memories.

However, as JUJA steps into another year, its commitment to ethical journalism remains unwavering. With the advent of digital media, the association is expanding its reach, embracing new storytelling techniques while staying true to its mission.

JU Vice-Chancellor and also the Chief Patron of JUJA Prof. Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, congratulated JUJA on its milestone and acknowledged its contribution to the university’s intellectual and cultural environment.

“JUJA has been a vital part of our academic ecosystem, shaping responsible media practitioners who contribute significantly to society,” said Prof Kamrul Ahsan.

“The association has been acting as a watchdog to preserve interest of the university's stakeholders since the university's establishment. It is not individual-centric, but rather function with a sense of collective responsibility,” he added.

As the association steps in 54 years, members, alumni, and well-wishers kept its footprint of JUJA’s rich history and envisioned its future.

One thing remains certain—the spirit of truth, courage and journalistic integrity that has defined JUJA for the past 53 years will continue to inspire generations of campus journalists to com