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Published : 13 Oct 2025, 10:54 PM
After more than three and a half decades, the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union, hall, and hostel council elections are finally set to take place -- and the female students are calling for a safe, discrimination-free campus from whoever takes leadership next.
Female students said most electoral panels have spoken of building a women-friendly campus from their party perspectives, but they now want to see how far those pledges are fulfilled.
They also hope promises to address the housing crisis do not remain confined to manifestos.
The voting will be held from 9am to 4pm on Wednesday, with 27,516 students casting their ballots for representatives -- including 11,329 female voters.
Balloting will take place at the IT Building, the New Arts Faculty Building, and the Science, Social Science, and Business Administration (BBA) faculties.
Chief Election Commissioner Prof Monir Uddin said secret booths have been set up to allow each voter to cast ballots for 26 CUCSU and 14 hall posts. A total of 415 candidates are contesting under 12 panels backed by student fronts of the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, left-leaning groups, and cultural organisations, along with dozens of independent aspirants.
All manifestos have prioritised issues like transport, housing, and women’s safety on campus. Campaigning ends Monday night.
Across the campus, many female students are analysing these manifestos -- some with hope, others with doubt about their execution.
Tanjila Rahman Diya, a student of Fine Arts from the 2020–21 Academic Session told bdnews24.com: “Whoever leads CUCSU or the halls, our first demand is a safe campus. Female students must feel safe to move around, even those living off-campus.”
She, however, questioned whether pledges on transport and accommodation could be realised within a year.
Anika Anjum from Sociology said CU students “face greater insecurity” compared to women at other public universities.
“Separate rules for male and female students are in place. Men can easily take part in politics or express views, but women are criticised if they do. We want CUCSU leadership that ensures equality and safety.”
International Relations student Fahmida Orpi said, “It’s time to break old circles and do something new.”
She said housing remains the biggest challenge, particularly for women.
“Earlier, one needed ruling party links to get a hall seat. Now, under the pretext of ‘merit-based distribution’, many are still denied accommodation.”
Orpi said first-year women face the worst hurdles since they lack academic results.
“Security concerns make off-campus living tough for women. I hope the new leadership will stop politicising hostel seats and represent all students.”
Students also stressed the need for super shops and pharmacies inside the halls.
Ibtisam Ahmed from the same department said: “Hall entry hours are too restrictive. We want them extended. Bullying is another issue -- anyone not aligned with a certain political ideology faces harassment. We want freedom from that.”
Economics students from the 2023–24 session said their top priorities are security and accommodation.
“Those commuting by shuttle trains also face insecurity. Full housing coverage is the only solution,” said one.
Sumaiya Momtaz Mim added that women are excluded from sports events, while Ahona Halder said returning to halls after tutoring in the city often becomes stressful.
“Trains reach campus around 9:30pm, and by the time we finish dinner, it’s 10pm. The return deadline should be extended.”
