JUCSU polls: Independent candidate elected VP, Shibir wins 21 seats

Shibir-backed panel secured a landslide victory in the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) election, winning 21 of the 25 posts, including general secretary and both assistant general secretary positions (male and female). The Democratic Students’ Union secured one seat, while independent candidates won three posts, including the vice-presidency.

From the independent panel, Abdur Rashid Jitu was elected vice-president. Shibir candidates who won include Md Majharul Islam (general secretary), Ferdous Al Hasan (assistant general secretary, male) and Ayesha Siddiqa Meghla (assistant general secretary, female).

Among the central secretarial posts, candidates from Shibir-backed panel secured the majority of positions. The elected leaders include:

Education and Research Secretary: Abu Obaida Osama, Environment and Nature Conservation Affairs Secretary: Md. Shafayet Mir, Literature and Publications Secretary: Md. Zahidul Islam, Cultural Secretary: Ali Zaki Shahriar, Associate Cultural Secretary: Md. Raihan Uddin, Drama Secretary: Md. Ruhul Islam, Associate Sports Secretary (Female): Farhana Akhter Lubna,Associate Sports Secretary (Male): Md. Mahadi Hasan and Information Technology and Library Secretary: Md. Rashedul Islam Likhon

Additionally, Shibir candidates Md. Tariqul Islam, Md. Abu Talha, and Md. Mohsin were elected to the three Executive Member (Male) posts, while Nabila Binte Harun, Fabliha Jahan, and Nusrat Jahan Ima secured the Executive Member (Female) positions.

From the Bagchas panel, Ahsab Labib won the post of Social Service and Human Resource Development Affairs Secretary, making him the only winner from that slate.

Two independents were also elected: Sports Secretary Mahmudul Hasan Kiron and Cultural Secretary Mohibullah Sheikh Jisan.

Polling took place on Thursday, September 11, from 9am to 5pm. Vote counting, which began at 10:15pm the same day, was initially conducted electronically but later switched to manual counting due to unspecified complications. The delay sparked criticism and allegations of mismanagement.

Four panels, including Chhatra Dal, and five independent candidates boycotted the election, citing widespread allegations of vote fraud and rigging. In a dramatic turn, four BNP-affiliated teachers — including two election commissioners — resigned, accusing the authorities of failing to ensure a fair playing field.

This year's election saw 177 candidates vying for 25 central posts, while 477 candidates competed for 315 seats in the 21 Halls Parliament — 15 per hall.

However, participation in the girls' residential halls remained low. Out of 150 available posts in the 10 female halls, 59 had no candidates, and 67 had only one candidate each. Consequently, voting took place for just 24 posts.

Of the 11,897 registered student voters, 6,115 were male and 5,728 were female. The overall voter turnout was approximately 68 percent.