The Jagannath University Central Students' Union (JnUCSU) and Hall Union elections are being held today. A total of 16,500 students are expected to cast their votes at 178 booths set up in 39 polling centers.
Ballot papers will be delivered to the polling centers before voting begins. Polling will start at 9:00 am and continue until 3:00 pm, while vote counting will be conducted using digital OMR machines.
To ensure a secure voting environment, CCTV cameras have been installed at every polling center. The university administration has also strengthened security across the campus and surrounding areas. Alongside regular law enforcement personnel, intelligence officers have been deployed, and a police control room has been established at Victoria Park in front of the university.
Earlier, in a notice issued by the Registrar's Office, students were instructed to leave the campus by 3:30 pm on Monday as part of security measures. Additionally, all buses operating under the university transport pool were instructed to depart 15 minutes earlier than their scheduled times. Teachers and officers assigned election duties have been directed to carry out their responsibilities in line with Election Commission guidelines.
Commenting on the security arrangements, Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Faisal Ahmed said,
"We do not foresee any security threats. All necessary preparations have been taken. Special forces are on standby around the campus, and CCTV surveillance has been ensured at key points for round-the-clock monitoring."
Election Commissioner Professor Dr. Zulfikar Mahmud said all preparations for the election have been completed.
"Duties have been properly assigned to teachers and officials. We hope the election will be conducted smoothly with active participation from students."
Vice-Chancellor of Jagannath University Professor Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim expressed optimism about the election, saying,
"The JnUCSU election will definitely be held. The ministry has sought some security-related information from me. Overall, I am confident the election will be peaceful, fair, and festive."
Sharing their expectations, Chhatra Dal-backed VP candidate AKM Rakib said, "We have always stood beside students and will continue to do so. We expect a vibrant and fair election."
Chhatra Shibir-backed VP candidate Riyazul Islam said students are responding positively to their campaign.
"Just as talented students across other campuses have shown trust in Shibir, we believe JnU students will also place their confidence in us."
Meanwhile, Chhatra Shakti-backed United JnU Panel VP candidate Kishwar Samya criticized the Election Commission, saying, "The commission exists in name only. It has failed to address even a single violation of the code of conduct. We urge students to vote against injustice."
According to the preliminary candidate list published on the official website, there are 4 candidates for the Liberation War and Democracy post, 9 for Education and Research, 5 for Science and Technology secretary , 5 for Health and Environment secretary , 4 for Law and Human Rights secretary , 8 for International Affairs secretary , 7 for Literature and Culture secretary , 7 for Sports secretary , 4 for Transport secretary , 10 for Social Service and Student Welfare secretary , and 57 candidates contesting 7 general member positions.
