CUCSU election campaigns resume in full force after Durga Puja break

Rival candidates have been seen discussing their election pledges, exchanging manifestos

The campaign for the Chittagong University Central Students' Union (CUCSU) and hall council elections has begun in full swing with the presence of students as the campus reopened after the Durga Puja holiday.

On Sunday, candidates and supporters from multiple panels, including those backed by the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir, were seen campaigning across faculties, classrooms, residential halls, tea stalls, the shuttle train, and the university rail station.

They distributed leaflets, exchanged greetings with students, sought votes, and discussed their election pledges.

While some panels campaigned jointly, others split up to reach different areas. Encounters between rival candidates were marked by friendly exchanges rather than confrontation.

Classes and exams had been suspended since Sept 28, but candidates had continued their campaigns in the halls and in the city during the break.

Said Bin Habib, general secretary candidate from the Shibir-backed “Sampritir Shikkharthi Jote” panel, campaigned at the Faculty of Business Studies.

He said, “We have always been close to the students. We’re now sharing our plans for the election, and the response has been encouraging. We hope the administration will ensure a level playing field for a fair election.”

BNP-backed Chhatra Dal’s GS candidate Shafayat Hossain and VP candidate Sazzad Hossain Hridoy were also seen campaigning at the rail station and on the shuttle train.

“We reached out to students even during the holidays to understand their issues. Now that the campus has reopened, we’re continuing our campaign in full swing,” Sazzad said.

The “Boichitrer Oikya” panel, comprising candidates from social, cultural, and political groups, also campaigned on Sunday.

VP candidate Dhrubo Barua said, “Our panel represents diversity, especially with women and indigenous candidates.”

He said the panel rejects the old culture of dominance and violence that has harmed student life and academics.

At the university rail station, “Binirman Shikkharthi Oikya” panel’s GS candidate Chowdhury Tasnim Jahan Shraban and Chhatra Dal’s Shafayat Hossain met mid-campaign, exchanged manifestos with smiles, and encouraged each other to review their pledges.

Shraban told bdnews24.com, “Whether or not we win, I hope whoever does will implement the commitments we’ve made in our manifesto.”

Shafayat added, “Our panel’s manifesto is yet to be announced, but we’re highlighting campus crises and student rights.”

Kazi Nusrat Tasin, a second-year journalism student, said: “We’re all very excited about the CUCSU election. The candidates are making promises, and we hope for a good election this time.”

A total of 907 candidates -- 415 for 26 CUCSU posts and 486 for hall union positions -- are contesting the polls scheduled for Oct 15.