Campus bustles as CUCSU election campaign hits fever pitch on final day

According to info published on the CUCSU website, the total number of draft voters for this election stands at 27,516

After nearly three decades, the Chittagong University Central Students' Union (CUCSU) and hall parliament elections are set to take place on Wednesday.

On the final day of campaigning, candidates and their supporters from several panels were seen canvassing in the Zero Point, Station and Kolar Jhupri areas of the campus on Monday.

A visit to the university in the afternoon found candidates engaged in last-minute efforts to reach voters, as the atmosphere on campus was charged with election fervour.

Students distributed leaflets bearing symbols such as fans, guitars, birds, ballot numbers, trophies and shuttle trains.

Some went door to door seeking votes, while others asked for blessings and good wishes.

Members of the “Droho Porshod” panel drew attention with songs and street plays.

Md Mehedi Hasan Sohan, a candidate for co-office secretary from the “Independent Student Union Panel” and a student of the Department of International Relations, said no untoward incidents had taken place so far.

“Unlike some of the situations seen before in the DUCSU elections, nothing unexpected has happened here yet,” he told bdnews24.com.

“We are very excited that our CUCSU election is being held in such an orderly manner. We hope the voting will take place in a festive environment. Today, on the last day of campaigning, we are reaching out to students and hope they will evaluate us fairly.”

Mahidul Islam Shuvo, a student of the Institute of Education and Research from the 2023–24 session of Chittagong University, was seen seeking votes for Chhatra Dal’s vice president candidate, Sajjad Hossain Hridoy.

“I have come to seek votes for Chhatra Dal’s VP candidate,” he said.

“We believe the students will evaluate him properly.”

He expressed concern, however, over whether non-resident students would be able to come to campus to vote.

“It would be better if a special shuttle train were arranged for them,” he said.

“Also, votes are being counted by machine here, but we demand that counting be done by hand and in transparent ballot boxes.”

According to information published on the CUCSU website, the total number of draft voters for this election stands at 27,516.

Eighty-five candidates have been nominated from 13 panels for several posts in the CUCSU polls -- including 22 for general secretary, 21 for joint general secretary, and others for positions such as sports, culture, research, and student welfare secretaries.

In the hall parliament election, 346 candidates will contest for different posts across nine halls.

Additionally, 123 candidates will vie for positions in five other halls, while 20 will compete for posts in the Artist Rashid Chowdhury Hostel.