Teachers’ Network demands neutral probe into JUCSU election irregularities

The Jahangirnagar University Teachers’ Network has called for an impartial investigation into widespread allegations of irregularities, mismanagement, and bias during the recent Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) election.

The election, held after a 33-year hiatus, generated significant enthusiasm among students. However, the Teachers’ Network described the process as “flawed and controversial,” pointing to mismanagement, partiality, manpower shortages, and lack of transparency from the outset.

In a statement released on Monday, the Network accused the election authorities of deliberately manipulating the process to ensure the victory of a particular faction. The allegations have reportedly eroded the trust of students, candidates, faculty members, and the university community at large.

The statement detailed 16 serious irregularities during the election, including:

Faulty voter lists and defective ballot papers.

Cancellation of VP candidate Amartya Roy’s nomination four days before the election, despite a higher court stay. The university’s appeal resulted in the suspension of the court order, preventing the reinstatement of his candidacy.

The scheduling of candidates’ drug tests after ballot papers had been printed, with conflicting official statements regarding the printing timeline.

Allegations that ballot boxes were dispatched to dormitories the night before the election, despite no logistical need.

Election Commission’s last-minute reversal on allowing polling agents, causing confusion and inequality among candidates.

Denial of entry to candidates and journalists at polling centers and dormitory inspections.

Supply of excess ballot papers, with some found discarded on the floor.

Removal of “indelible ink” marks, raising suspicions of vote tampering.

Valid students excluded from voter lists, leading to disenfranchisement and reports of fraudulent voting.

Errors in candidate listings and voting instructions in some halls.

Voting extended well beyond the official closing time in multiple locations.

Slow and irregular manual vote counting following doubts about the OMR system, leading to a 48-hour delay in result announcements.

Resignation of three election officials over concerns about ballot paper supply and ink issues.

Withdrawal of five out of eight contesting panels on election day, citing widespread irregularities.

Closure of campus food and tea shops on election day, dampening the atmosphere, alongside reports of Jamaat-e-Islami activists applying pressure on university stakeholders.

Resignation of two of the five election commissioners over allegations of bias; the election results were declared despite their departure.

The Teachers’ Network also criticized the administration for failing to utilize the costly OMR voting system, describing it as a “shameful failure” that delayed results and raised doubts about election integrity.

The group has urged the university authorities to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation to restore faith in the electoral process.