CUCSU polls: Two female candidates report ‘cyberbullying, harassment’

The candidates are from the Shibir-backed panel

Two female candidates from the Shibir-backed ‘Sampritir Shikkharthi Jote’ panel in the Chattogram University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU) election have lodged complaints of cyberbullying.

On Sunday, they submitted written complaints to CUCSU's Chief Election Commissioner Prof Dr Monir Uddin.

The candidates, Jannatul Adan Nusrat, who is running for co-office secretary, and Janatul Ferdous Sanjida, a candidate for executive member, reported receiving unpleasant comments from unknown IDs on their campaign posts.

Nusrat is from the English department, 2020-21 session, and Sanjida is from the Sociology department, 2022-24 session. Sanjida is the editor of the Chittagong University branch of the Islami Chhatri Sangstha and the Students’ Welfare Department.

Sanjida told bdnews24.com, “We are candidates from the Sampritir Shikkharthi Jote in CUCSU. Our election speeches and campaign posts have been targeted by hostile comments from unknown profiles. We are being harassed on social media.”

She added, “As a result, we have filed a complaint with the Election Commission. Sir has assured us that he will address our concerns according to the rules."

The CUCSU and hall elections will be held on Oct 15. Despite the Puja holidays, campaigning continues across campus through social media and local student accommodations.

In response to the complaints, CUCSU Election Commission Secretary Professor AKM Ariful Haque Siddiqui said: “We have received a complaint. Our election commissioner Prof Amir Mohammad Nasrullah, who oversees election conduct, will look into the matter.”