Jahangirnagar University has issued a formal statement refuting claims made by religious preacher Amir Hamza, which have been circulating on social media. The university administration described his allegations regarding student conduct and his own enrollment as entirely fabricated and without basis.
The controversy stems from comments where Hamza claimed to have been a student at the university's Journalism and Media Studies Department. He made serious allegations about witnessing misconduct on campus, prompting a direct and detailed response from the institution.
Key Takeaways
- Jahangirnagar University officially denies that religious preacher Amir Hamza was ever enrolled as a student.
- The university has labeled Hamza's claims of student misconduct, including alcohol use and violence against teachers, as "completely fictitious."
- Administrative records show the Journalism and Media Studies Department was founded in 2011, contradicting the timeline of Hamza's claims.
- The university has urged Hamza to cease making baseless statements and to be more objective in his public commentary.
Details of the Allegations
Amir Hamza's remarks, which gained traction online, included several specific and serious accusations against the Jahangirnagar University community. He publicly stated that he had been admitted to the Journalism and Media Studies Department at the institution.
Building on this claim, he described a campus environment rife with negative behavior. According to the university's statement, Hamza alleged he saw students in residential halls "gargling with alcohol" in the morning. He further claimed to have witnessed students physically assaulting teachers with sticks, an act that would represent a severe breakdown of academic decorum.
These comments were presented as firsthand observations from his time as a supposed student, lending them a perceived credibility that concerned university officials. The viral nature of social media allowed these unverified stories to spread rapidly, prompting the administration to address them directly to protect the institution's reputation.
University Administration Issues a Strong Rebuttal
In a formal statement released on September 21, 2025, the Jahangirnagar University administration systematically dismantled Hamza's claims. The university's response was unequivocal, labeling his remarks as "completely fictitious and deliberate."
The administration's primary point of contention was Hamza's assertion that he was a student. Officials clarified that there are no records of his enrollment at any point in the university's history. This fundamental discrepancy undermines the foundation of his other allegations.
"Making such motivated and fabricated comments about a national institution is not only unacceptable but also unfortunate," the university statement read.
The administration emphasized that its goal was to correct the public record and counter what it considers to be damaging misinformation. The statement was a direct effort to reaffirm the university's standards and protect its image from baseless attacks.
The Importance of Institutional Reputation
For a public university like Jahangirnagar, its reputation is a critical asset. It affects student recruitment, faculty hiring, research funding, and public trust. Allegations of widespread misconduct, especially those involving violence and substance abuse, can cause significant harm if left unaddressed. The university's swift and detailed response is a standard crisis communication strategy to mitigate potential damage from misinformation.
Verifying Enrollment Claims
The university provided specific evidence to disprove Hamza's claim of being a student in the Journalism and Media Studies Department. According to the official statement, the department was not established until 2011, with its first cohort of students admitted that same year.
This timeline makes Hamza's claim of having been a student in that specific department impossible if it predates its existence. The university's statement highlighted this factual inconsistency as clear proof that his narrative was baseless.
Department Founding Date
2011: The year the Journalism and Media Studies Department was officially established at Jahangirnagar University. This date is a key piece of evidence used by the administration to refute Amir Hamza's claims of prior enrollment in the department.
By checking admission records, the university confirmed that his name does not appear on the rolls for the department in 2011 or any subsequent year. This lack of official documentation is the cornerstone of the university's argument against his entire story.
Addressing Claims of Campus Misconduct
Beyond the enrollment issue, the university administration flatly denied the specific behaviors Hamza described. The allegation that students assaulted teachers was met with a particularly strong denial, with the university calling the idea "unprecedented and baseless."
The statement went on to characterize the relationship between faculty and students at Jahangirnagar University in positive terms. Officials asserted that the teacher-student dynamic has historically been one of respect and collaboration.
- Violence Against Teachers: The university stated that no such incidents as described by Hamza have ever been recorded.
- Student Alcohol Use: While not addressing individual student behavior, the administration dismissed his specific, sensational claim of students "gargling with alcohol" as part of a fabricated narrative.
- Campus Culture: The university maintains that its campus culture is positive and constructive.
The administration described the teacher-student relationship as "cordial and commendable," directly opposing the chaotic picture painted by Hamza. This defense of the campus environment aims to reassure current students, alumni, and the general public.
A Call for Responsible Public Statements
The university concluded its statement by directly addressing Amir Hamza. The administration urged him to refrain from making further baseless remarks and to exercise caution and objectivity in his future public comments, especially when discussing national institutions.
This public appeal serves as a warning about the consequences of spreading unverified information. The university's position is that such commentary is not only harmful to its reputation but also a disservice to public discourse.
The incident highlights the challenge educational institutions face in the digital age, where misinformation can spread quickly and without factual validation. The administration's decisive action reflects a broader need for organizations to actively manage their public image and confront false narratives head-on.
