A portion of the ceiling plaster at ‘Nawab Faizunnesa Chowdhurani Hall’ of Comilla University-(CoU) reportedly collapsed following Friday morning’s (10:38 AM) earthquake, causing panic among residents of the female dormitory.

Several students claim that cracks have appeared in multiple rooms, raising concerns about the structural safety of the building.

Tasmia Farin, a residential student of the 2023-24 academic session, described the frightening moments during the quake.

She said, ‘I was sitting on my bed when I felt the shaking and told my roommate that an earthquake was happening. She didn’t believe me at first. Moments later the tremors got stronger. Then we started hearing loud cracking noises, as if things were breaking.’

She added that the situation worsened when she checked the adjacent Room 103, located next to the washroom.

‘I saw large cracks on the walls. It felt extremely unsafe. I don’t think it’s safe for us to stay here anymore. The administration must take urgent action. It will be impossible to live here while risking our lives,’ she said.

When contacted, Dr. Sumaiya Afrin Sani, Provost of Nawab Faizunnesa Chowdhurani Hall, acknowledged the damage but termed it part of a larger nationwide impact caused by the earthquake.

She said, ‘The earthquake was felt across the country. Even around the area where I live, plaster fell from many buildings. This time the tremor intensity was quite strong, so damage occurred in many places. The situation at Faizunnesa Hall is also part of that natural disaster. These events happen suddenly; no one is above reality.’

Addressing concerns over structural issues, she added, ‘If someone asks us to replace these buildings and bring well-furnished new ones, that’s not feasible right now. Still, every year we try to carry out renovations. Once the new campus becomes fully operational, these problems will be minimized.’

Students, however, are urging immediate inspection and repair works to ensure their safety, especially after visible cracks appeared in several parts of the hall. The university authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding further action.