3 teachers step back from JUCSU election duty

Three teachers at Jahangirnagar University has withdrawn themselves from election duty on Thursday (September 11), citing alleged irregularities in the Central Students' Union (JUCSU) and Hall Parliament elections.

The teachers left their assigned polling centers before 4.00pm.

Earlier, JUCSU General Secretary (GS) candidate Tanjila Hossain Boishakhi announced a boycott of the elections, alleging vote rigging, missing photos in voter lists, and an unstable environment at polling stations.

Chattra Dal-backed Vice President (VP) candidate Sheikh Sadi Hasan claimed that the Election Commission had obtained ballot papers and OMR machines from a Jamaat-affiliated company in violation of rules, alleging the move was intended to favour the Chhatra Shibir panel.

The Chhatra Dal panel has strongly expressed anger and condemned the Election Commission, accusing it of acting in a biased manner.

Polling agents were reportedly denied timely access to polling centers, and candidates were prevented from visiting the stations during the elections.

Citing these alleged irregularities, the Chhatra Dal-backed panel submitted a formal written complaint to the university administration.

The application, signed by Sheikh Sadi, Tanjila Hossain Boishakhi, and Joint General Secretary (Male) candidate Md. Sajjadul Islam, urged the administration to investigate the matter and ensure a fair voting process.

Meanwhile, in the afternoon, Shibir-backed VP candidate Arif Ullah and Chhatra Dal candidate Sheikh Sadi Hasan leveled allegations against each other.

Voting, which began at 9.00am across 224 booths in 21 halls, is scheduled to continue until 5.00pm. A total of 11,747 students are eligible to vote, with 178 candidates contesting various positions on 40 ballots covering central and hall parliaments.