Nepali student runs in JUCSU election for first time

Abid Hussain is vying for the post of secretary of welfare and human resource development

For the first time in Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) elections, a foreign student has entered the race.

The candidacy of Nepali national Abid Hussain has drawn excitement among his friends and former classmates.

Abid, a pharmacy student, is running independently for the post of secretary of welfare and human resource development. He resides at Rabindranath Tagore Hall.

Originally from Bara district in Nepal, Abid comes from a family of three brothers and two sisters. He said if elected, his priority would be to work on improving students’ skills.

Speaking about his candidacy, Abid said: “At Jahangirnagar, many finish their studies but remain unemployed. So, it is not only about having a degree, you need skills too. For example, for going abroad you need IELTS or GRE. Students spend money outside to take these courses, but not everyone can afford that. Still, many dream of going abroad.

“These could be arranged here under JUCSU. It would benefit students. For those who cannot afford it, we could even consider raising funds.”

Abid argued that the university’s role is to turn students into skilled human resources, but there is a “gap” in that mission.

“We are becoming educated, but without skills. That is a weakness,” he said.

He also expressed interest in digitising voluntary activities such as blood donation networks, which already exist on campus.

On safety, he pledged to prioritise students’ security on campus, saying: “Jahangirnagar University should not be turned into an eco-park on holidays.”

According to the final list of candidates, a total of eight are competing for the post of welfare and human resource development secretary.