SUCSU election uncertain amid EC suspension, students protest on campus

Ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election, the Election Commission (EC) has ordered the suspension of all types of elections nationwide until February 12. As a result, uncertainty has emerged over the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) student union election, known as SUCSU.

According to the announced schedule, voting in the SUCSU election was set to take place on January 20 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. However, following the directive issued by the EC on Monday (January 12), concerned quarters believe the SHAKSU election may also be postponed.

As of 12:30 am on Monday night, the university administration had not announced any new decision regarding the election.

In protest against the uncertainty surrounding the SUCSU election amid the evolving situation, students of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) staged a demonstration late Monday night. Around 11:30 pm, they gathered in front of the university’s IICT building and began protesting. Later, a protest march was taken out, which paraded through key roads on the campus.

Protesting students said that the student union election had been suspended for a long time and that now was the time to reclaim their rights. They rejected any decision to postpone the student union election again on the pretext of the national election.

Mujahidul Islam, general secretary candidate of the Islami Chhatrashibir-backed ‘Durbar SUSTian Oikya’ panel, who took part in the protest, said,

“We want our representation—this is our fundamental right. This conspiracy to suspend the long-pending student union election once again by citing the national election will not be accepted under any circumstances. The administration must reconsider its decision; otherwise, we will not return home without achieving our demands.”

The protesters demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Election Commission’s suspension order. They said the student union election is a vital demand of the students and that no excuses or delays would be tolerated. They also warned that tougher programmes would be announced in the coming days if their demands are not met.

It may be noted that three full panels are contesting in this year’s SUCSU election. These are the Islami Chhatrashibir-backed ‘Durbar SUSTian Oikya’, the Chatra Dal-backed ‘Shommilito SUSTian Oikya’, and the left-backed ‘Sadharaner Oikyaswar’. In addition, several independent candidates are also contesting for different posts.