In the span of the last 12 years, the Central Cafeteria of Jahangirnagar University owes about Tk 0.40 million to various offices and teachers of different departments of the university for organising and arranging food in various events.
In the period of 2009 to 2020, Tk 3,81,990 was spent to arrange programmes of various offices and teachers of the university which is unpaid till today.
Only the teachers of different departments of the university are due Tk 3,32,290.
Besides, the cafeteria owes Tk 49,700 to various offices including JU School and College, Transport Office, Kalatan Bidyaniketan of Ladies Club.
Interestingly, only one teacher from the Department of Mathematics has arrears of Tk 99,446. This reporter could not reach the teacher after repeated attempts to contact him on mobile.
When asked about how this huge amount of arrears has remained unpaid for such a long time, the Director of Teacher-Student Centre Prof Dr Md Alamgir Kabir said, "Since I took charge, not a single penny has been unpaid. The arrears have accumulated over the years, and we have informed the administration."
The Deputy Director of the Teacher-Student Centre Professor Jebunnesa said, "We have done our best to collect the arrears responsibly and have also sent regular letters to the teachers to collect the arrears."
As a way out of such a situation, Professor Jebunnesa suggested, "In other universities, teachers' cafeteria bills go directly to the payroll of the university and the arrears are deducted from them. This can be done at Jahangirnagar University also."
The price and quality of teachers' meals in the cafeteria differ from students. The students complained that the cafeteria was supposed to provide quality food at a lower price than other food shops in the university but the reality is different.
According to the cafeteria authorities, no subsidy is given to the cafeteria separately from the university.
