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Published : 10 Sep 2025, 11:36 PM
After 33 years, students at Jahangirnagar University are finally heading to the polls for the 10th JUCSU election, marking the end of uncertainty and speculation.
Around 12,000 students are expected to cast their votes on Thursday morning, eagerly anticipating the campus’s first electoral festival in decades.
The Election Commission has confirmed that all necessary preparations have been made to ensure a free and fair vote.
On Wednesday, poll officials were busy inspecting voting stations, booths, security measures, and organising voting materials.
While candidates are not actively campaigning on the day, supporters have been making the necessary arrangements. Some have expressed concerns over security, while others are excited about using their voting rights for the first time.
However, some doubts linger over voter turnout. With a history of over 70 percent voter participation in DUCSU elections, many speculate that the excitement could lead to higher turnout.
Yet, concerns exist about absenteeism, with some students leaving campus due to the five-day break that includes Thursday's election, followed by the weekend.
Among female student housing, 150 positions are up for election, but only 38 positions are contested, which might demotivate some voters.
Voter Jamim Haider estimates around 60 percent turnout, while central council candidate Adrita Roy pointed out the limitations of her campaign, citing a lack of buses for students travelling from Dhaka.
Security has been heightened on the campus, with law enforcers patrolling key roads. Election Commissioner Professor Md Moniruzzaman expressed optimism, saying that over 1,200 personnel will ensure a peaceful election.
PANELS AND CANDIDATES
The Independent Student Unity panel is led by Abdur Rashid Jitu for vice-president and Mohammad Shakil Ali for general secretary.
The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal panel, led by Sheikh Sadi Hasan and Tanzila Hossain Boishakhi, is contesting for positions.
Islami Chhatra Shibir is competing under the Integrated Student Alliance banner, with VP candidate Arifulah Adib and GS candidate Mazharul Islam.
The Student Unity Forum from Bangladesh Democratic Student Parliament (BAGCHAS) is contesting with Arifuzzaman Ujjal and Abu Touhid Mohammad Siam as leaders.
The Shompritir Oikya panel has Shoron Ehsan for GS, Nur E Tamim Srot for AGS (male), and Faria Zaman Niki for AGS (female). However, the VP candidate, Amartya Ray John, has had his candidacy cancelled.
The Student Union-Student Front panel is led by Zahidul Islam Iman for GS and Shohagi Samia Jannatul Ferdous for AGS.
Of all candidates, 25 percent are female, and 75 percent are male. No female student has contested for VP. Out of the 15 GS candidates, only two are female. Additionally, no female candidates have been nominated for four other positions.
In total, 24.4 percent of all hall council candidates are female. There are 15 vacant positions across five female dorms.
The first JUCSU election was held in 1972, with the last election taking place on Jul 6, 1992.
CANDIDATES' DEMANDS AND CONCERNS
On the eve of the election, candidates shared their demands and concerns. Online campaigning was particularly noticeable.
Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed panel’s GS candidate Mazharul outlined three key demands: appointing polling agents, cross-checking OMR machines, and controlling the infiltration of former students.
He said, “We expect students to come and vote for honest, qualified candidates.”
Chhatra Dal VP candidate Sadi called for improved security, saying: “We want the administration to act quickly on appointing polling agents and enhancing security.”
Jitu of the Independent Student Unity panel expressed optimism despite “some administrative negligence”, saying: “We are hopeful; victory will be ours.”
Hall council candidate Hadi expressed concerns about the transparency of voting, saying: “There could be trouble inside unless outside infiltration is prevented. I’ve heard extra ballots have been printed, which is alarming. The vote count must be broadcast live.”
AGS candidate Samia emphasised alternative security measures.
She said, “We want police outside the campus, only entering when necessary. We have printed manifestos in braille in three hours -- why can’t the administration act swiftly? We demand a participatory election, so that no fraud like DUCSU occurs here.”
Meanwhile, the High Court ruling has led to the disqualification of Amartya.
On whether his panel would participate in the election, GS candidate Shoron said: “We will make a decision after a meeting with the panel.”
DOPE TEST CONTROVERSY
One of the most debated issues leading up to the election is the dope test for candidates.
Sajib Ahmed Jenich, the joint general secretary (male) candidate from the Student Front (Marxist), expressed concerns over the process.
“The dope test was conducted just a day before the election. If the results are positive, will their names be on the ballot? There’s no room to challenge incorrect reports.
“Some candidates could not provide samples due to a lack of communication, and the commission’s stance on this is unclear. To me, the entire dope test process seems like a drama,” he said.
He criticised the administration, saying: “Without permission for polling agents, how will we prevent vote rigging? The administration has failed to stop outsiders from entering. If the power goes out, monitoring at polling stations will stop. We are concerned about the fairness of the election.”
Election Commission Secretary AKM Rashidul Alam responded, “We have not yet received the results. The commission will decide on those who did not undergo the test.”
ELECTION DAY SECURITY
Rashidul outlined the security arrangements for election day, saying: “All university gates will be closed. Only students, voters, faculty, staff, and approved media personnel or observers with university-issued permission slips will be allowed entry.”
He added that access for outsiders from neighbouring areas would be restricted on election day, and this measure would remain in place until noon the following day.
Also, CCTV cameras have been installed for monitoring, and vote counting will be broadcast on large screens from the central election office.
A total of 21 voting centres will be set up across the university, with 21 returning officers and 67 polling officers. Senior faculty members, the proctorial body, and campus security officers will oversee the campus, with two magistrates on duty.
The voting will be conducted using OMR ballot papers. A total of 224 booths will be set up for voters.
VOTER INFO
The total number of voters in the JUCSU election is 11,843, including 6,115 male voters and 5,728 female voters. Each voter will cast votes for 40 positions, with 25 in the central council and 15 in the hall councils.
A total of 178 candidates are competing in the JUCSU election, with 132 male candidates and 46 female candidates. There are 25 positions available.
In the 21 hall councils, 315 positions are up for election, with 447 candidates running. Of these, 316 candidates are from male halls and 131 from female halls.
