After a long hiatus of 33 years, JU is finally set to hold Jahangirnagar University's Central Students Union (JUCSU) elections today (Wednesday), marking a historic return to student politics on the campus.
According to the university's election commission, voting will take place from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM across all polling centres, while vote counting is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM.
"We are fully prepared to hold a free, fair, and peaceful election. All necessary measures have been taken to maintain discipline and neutrality throughout the process," said Chief Election Commissioner Professor Md Moniruzzaman.
This year, a total of 179 candidates are contesting for 25 posts of the JUCSU executive body, while 252 candidates are in the race for various hall union positions.
The final list of candidates, published on JUCSU's official website, shows that 10 candidates are vying for the vice-president (VP) post, while 9 candidates were shortlisted for the general secretary (GS) post. However, after one independent candidate withdrew, 8 candidates remain in the GS race.
The panels that are on the race include Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed Somannito Shikkharthi Jote, Bangladesh Ganotantrik Chhatra Sangsad-backed Shikkharthi Oiyka Forum, and Gano Abhyuthan Rokkha Andolon-backed Sotontro Shikkharthi Jote.
Besides, leftist organisations have fielded two panels - the Sampritir Oikya and the Shikkharthi Oikko Forum. To ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election, the university authorities and law enforcement agencies have rolled out a comprehensive security plan.
At a briefing at the university's senate building, the election commission announced that at least 1,200 police officers will be deployed on the election day.
"We are still hoping to have the Bangladesh Armed Forces deployed as a striking force, as JU's campus is far from the capital and some boundaries remain exposed to outsiders," said Proctor Rashidul Alam.
The university administration issued restrictions on campus movement during the polls.
All resident students must remain inside their halls from 1:00 PM on September 11 until the close of polling,
while outsiders will be barred from entering
the dormitories.
The university's 21 residential halls together account for 315 positions - 15 in each hall union. Among these, 102 candidates are running unopposed and will be officially declared elected, while 63 seats received no nominations, leaving 150 positions to be contested today.
The total number of registered voters stands at 11,919, including 6,102 males and 5,817 females.
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