Dhaka University (DU) authorities are facing great difficulties in enforcing new security measures across the campus.

University officials said the syndicate has decided to beef up security on the campus but they cannot implement all the measures due to vastness of the area and lack of equipment.

Most students, worried about possible attacks, have demanded checking at entry points of the campus and restriction on vehicles during rush hour.

The Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) on several occasions threatened to blow up the Arts Building, Teachers-Students Centre (TSC), Curzon Hall and student dormitories of DU.

“On December 11, the syndicate took some decisions to tighten the security on the campus but the decisions have not been implemented yet,” said Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique, a leader of Dhaka University Teachers' Association.

As it is not possible to check so many students by using metal detectors, he said hi-tech security archways can be

installed at the entry points.

“We are trying to do our level best to ensure security on the campus,” said SMA Faiz, the vice chancellor. “As the demand for metal detectors has increased, there is a supply crisis. However, we hope to manage everything soon,” he assured.

Most teachers, students and officials of the university said security must be tightened to

check any possible attack by militants. “We are in fear while in the campus," said Rubaida Rahman, a student of Economics Department.

“Checking of students' ID cards is not enough to ensure security, all bags must be checked as well," said Habib Rahman, a student of Suryasen Hall.

The teachers said there must be an end to the bomb

blasts and the major political parties have a role to play in this regard. "The two major political parties must unite against this menace," said Tahmina Ahmed, associate professor, English Department.

During the last two years militants threatened to blow up DU Arts Building, the central library, Mukarram Bhaban science complex, TSC, Rokeya Hall, Shamsunnahar Hall and

Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall on several occasions.

Four bombs near the TSC on August 17 2005.

The DU has around 400 security guards but university officials said the guards are not performing their duties properly. In 2003, DU authorities planned to provide them with special dresses but this decision is also yet to be implemented.

“It is very difficult to ensure security in the vast area,” said Proctor Prof AK Feroze Ahmed referring to the lack of manpower and equipment.

He also said that it is duty of the dean of each building, along with the in charge officers and estate office to implement the security policies, adding that he had no idea whether they were being implemented or not.