JUCSU polls: Shibir panel alleges mismanagement, bias

Sommilito Shikkharthi Jote panel, supported by Islami Chhatra Shibir, has raised concerns over alleged irregularities and administrative mismanagement in the ongoing Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (JUCSU) and hall union elections. 

The panel’s vice-president (VP) candidate, Arifullah Adib, criticized the Election Commission and university administration for what he described as a lack of preparation and failure to maintain order on election day.

Adib stated that despite the importance of election, administration had made little effort to ensure a smooth and transparent process. 

He claimed that discussions regarding the deployment of polling agents were held only the night before the election, leading to confusion in the morning. 

When the panel attempted to send polling agents to various centers, many were reportedly turned away by on-duty officials who claimed they had not received any instructions about polling agent access. 

According to Adib, such basic logistical issues should have been resolved well in advance.

He also raised objections regarding the presence of opposition political activists on campus. 

Adib alleged that members of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (BNP’s student wing), including former students, were active on campus throughout the day, despite previous assurances from the administration that no outsiders would be allowed on campus after 6:00 AM. 

He specifically named Hafizur Rahman Sohan, a central vice-president of Chhatra Dal, who was allegedly seen at Rabindranath Hall, in violation of the university’s policies on non-student presence during elections.

The Shibir-backed panel accused these individuals of attempting to influence voters at various polling centers. 

Although they reported the matter to the Election Commission, Adib said no action had been taken.

In addition, the panel expressed concern over media access, stating that journalists were supposed to be allowed entry into all polling centers. 

However, they claimed that in some women’s halls, journalists—especially male reporters—were denied entry, limiting transparency.

Adib concluded by stressing the need for the Election Commission to take immediate corrective measures to restore confidence in the process and ensure that the election is conducted fairly and without external interference.

SH