Nazmul Hasan SIyam, JU:
A major health crisis has emerged at Jahangirnagar University (JU) after laboratory tests confirmed that the water supply in two dormitories contains higher iron levels. The findings have raised immediate alarms over the physical well-being of approximately 2,000 students who have been consuming the contaminated water.
The study, conducted by the Wazed Miah Science Research Centre, revealed that the iron concentration in the water at Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall reached 66.5 ppm (parts per million). According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and international safety standards, the maximum permissible limit for iron in drinking water is 0.3 ppm. This means the recorded level is more than 22,000 percent above the recommended threshold.
As Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall and Nawab Salimullah Hall share a single water pump, residents of both dormitories are believed to be at significant health risk.
Professor Dr. Mahfuza Mubarak of the Department of Public Health and Informatics explained that excessive iron intake can trigger oxidative stress in liver cells, leading to inflammation, fibrosis, and, in severe cases, cirrhosis.
“The results are deeply alarming,” Professor Mubarak said. “Excess iron can accumulate in vital organs such as the heart and pancreas, increasing the risk of organ dysfunction and conditions like hemochromatosis. Students may also experience gastrointestinal problems and chronic skin and hair issues.”
Md. Mizu Ahmed, a resident student, noted that tap water would turn a dark, rusty red shortly after being bottled. Another student, Arafat, added: “Now that the danger is proven, we need a solution, not just a report.”
In response, Hall Provost Professor Dr. Mohammad Abdur Razzaq confirmed that the administration has been notified of the test results. Professor Dr. Sohel Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration), stated that the university is taking the matter riously.
“The initial results are alarming. There is a possibility that other halls are affected as well,” Dr. Ahmed said. “We plan to test the water in six additional halls with expert assistance and will consider relocating pumps or implementing alternative filtration systems if necessary.”
