33-year wait for JUCSU ends Thursday
Jahangirnagar University, the highest-ranked university from Bangladesh for three years in a row (2023-25) in the prestigious Times Higher Education World University Rankings, is about to hold elections to its central students’ union (JUCSU) on Thursday - the first time since 1992.
In anticipation, JU's beautiful, sprawling campus in Savar, popular with birdwatchers, has come alive ahead of the polls, even as concerns have arisen over security due to some reportedly unrestricted movement of outsiders.
Concerns over Security
Our JU correspondent reports outsiders are indeed entering the campus using several entrances at night. Some of them are even said to be conducting unspecified drills in different areas.
Students have alleged that while there are ongoing violations of the code of conduct by some candidates, the administration has remained silent.
As a result, students express concerns over the security arrangements on election day.
According to the university sources, a total of 11,919 voters are eligible to cast their votes in this year’s election. A total of 178 candidates are contesting for 25 posts of JUCSU.
The university administration has decided to deploy 1,200 police personnel across the campus on polling day.
When contacted, Jahangirnagar University Proctor and Secretary of the Election Commission, Professor Rashidul Alam, said, “On the election day, we will deploy 1,200 police personnel to ensure security, many of whom will be in plainclothes.”
He added, “Since Jahangirnagar University is located outside the city and surrounded by rural areas, the army will also be on standby as a rapid response force. In addition, we have coordinated with the local community, who have assured their cooperation."
Rules violations rife on campus
Students have reported easy access to drugs across the campus, including at popular hangout spots— Tarzan Point, Sydney Field, Rangamati, Shantiniketan, Sundarbans, Monpura, and the residential halls.
Many students allege that some candidates are secretly distributing marijuana, alcohol, and other drugs to influence voters during the election. Several have criticized the practice on social media.
Md. Shakil Ali, a candidate for the General Secretary (GS) position from an independent panel, said, “Various halls are seeing the supply of alcohol and other intoxicants, which is not only a violation of the election code of conduct but also against university and national laws. Additionally, candidates from different panels are distributing biryani in violation of the code of conduct, taking voters to canteens to feed them. We fear these actions are completely against a fair election.”
Sohagi Samia, a joint general secretary candidate of the ‘Sangsaptak Parishad’ panel, alleged that candidates are also distributing money during the election.
She said, “After the mass uprising, we expected all candidates to follow the election code of conduct. But many are violating the rules by distributing drugs and biryani packets.”
She added, “Money is being used to influence votes. Many are trying to buy votes, which is a clear violation of the election code of conduct. Similar irregularities were seen in pre-August 5 elections, and we are witnessing them again.”
Candidates from different panels are spending money on distributing leaflets, online campaigns, biryani events, and other treats. As a result, eateries across campus, including Bottola’s Kitchen, Taj Mahal Hotel, Banglar Swad, and Nurjahan, are experiencing higher crowds than usual.
Election spending by candidates has exceeded the JUCSU Code, alleged c their rival candidates.
According to Article 17(b) of the JUCSU election code of conduct, any candidate found spending beyond the prescribed limit to influence voters shall be disqualified.
However, the JUCSU Election Commission and university administration have reportedly taken no steps to curb such excessive spending. In many cases, even when complaints were lodged with the authorities, they allegedly tried to ignore the issues.
Nazmul Islam, a candidate for Joint General Secretary from the Swatantra Angikar Parishad Panel, said, “Such unchecked spending clearly violates the election code of conduct. Many candidates are ignoring the rules, and the administration’s indifference in this regard is highly concerning.”
Independent GS candidate withdraws late
Syeda Anannya Faria, an independent candidate for the General Secretary (GS) post and member of the Chhatra Dal (JCD) convening committee, has withdrawn from the JUCSU election at the last moment.
Anannya had announced her independent candidacy for the GS post on August 28, citing undervaluation in the JCD panel. Although she was later asked to withdraw her candidacy, she did not do so at that time. Yesterday (Sept 9) afternoon, she officially announced her decision to step down from the race.
Talking to UNB about her decision, Anannya said, “Some time ago, I had decided to contest the election separately for a certain reason. However, now I want to call for a united front. That is why I have decided to withdraw from the election.”
VP candidate’s candidacy scrapped
The Appellate Division on Sunday stayed the High Court order allowing Amartya Ray, vice president (VP) candidate of the Sampriti-supported Unity panel backed by Chhatra Union, to participate in the JUCSU election for eight weeks.
The order came after the Appellate Division’s Chamber Justice M. Rezaul Haque heard the university authorities’ petition seeking a stay on the High Court directive.
Earlier, following a writ petition, the High Court had issued a rule and allowed Amartya Ray to contest the election. The court had also stayed the university’s September 6 decision to cancel his candidacy.
Subsequently, the university authorities appealed to the Appellate Division to suspend the High Court order, which led to a fresh hearing. Lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir represented Jahangirnagar University, while Amartya’s case was argued by lawyer Manzur Al Matin.
Commenting on the matter, Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Professor Kamrul Ahsan said, “This is a court verdict. We cannot change it on our own. However, I hope a solution can be found and I seek advice on how it can be resolved.”
Confusion over dope test
On the last day of campaigning, mandatory dope tests for candidates triggered widespread discussion. Sample collection for central and hall council candidates began on Tuesday from 9:30am and continued till 6pm.
While candidates welcomed the mandatory dope test decision, many criticized the Election Commission for implementing it just ten days after the final candidate list was published and only two days before the election, calling it a short-sighted move.
Due to the inability to complete the tests by the end of the campaign period on September 9, the deadline was extended by a day to today, September 10.
However, students have alleged that a large number of candidates will still be unable to undergo the dope test.