The much-anticipated election for the Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) of Jagannath University (JU) is scheduled to take place tomorrow, Tuesday, 6 January. The university’s highest decision-making body, the Syndicate, formally announced the final voting date during its meeting at 3:00 pm on Sunday. Syndicate member Professor Dr. Mohammad Bilal Hossain confirmed the announcement.
Professor Bilal Hossain stated, “All Syndicate members have agreed on the arrangements for the election. Additional police personnel have been deployed to ensure security and maintain law and order. A control room has been established at Bahadur Shah Park, which will monitor both the campus and surrounding areas throughout the election.”
The announcement comes after several candidates from various panels, as well as independent contestants, staged protests in front of the administrative building’s main gate. They alleged conspiracies to halt the JAKSU elections. Despite these concerns, candidates have expressed hope for a fair, impartial, and peaceful voting process, aiming to ensure genuine student representation.
According to the main candidates, their campaign activities allowed direct engagement with the student body, receiving positive responses from voters.
Summary of Main Candidates and Campaign Highlights:
| Panel & Supporters | Position | Key Campaign Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Adamya Jobian (Chhatra Shibir) | VP | Intensified campaigning, engaged with student issues, expects transparent voting. |
| Oikya Jobian Nirbhik (Chhatra Dal) | GS | Positive student response during campaigning, hopes for safe and fair elections. |
| Oikya Jobian (Jatiya Chhatra Shakti) | AGS | Secured student support, raised concerns regarding election commission’s role. |
| Maulana Bhasani Brigade (Samajtantrik Chhatra Front) | AGS | Limited campaigning, received positive feedback, anticipates impartial elections. |
Students have also expressed optimism for a smooth election. Hasan Mia, a mathematics student, remarked, “This is my first time voting. I hope everything proceeds without irregularities.” Another student, Sahed Sizan, added, “Every election has some challenges, but we are expecting a peaceful process this time.”
Professor Dr. Mostafa Hasan, Chief Election Commissioner, noted that all faculty, staff, and administrative personnel have been instructed not to take leave on 5 and 6 January. On polling day, entry of vehicles belonging to teachers and officials into the campus will be strictly prohibited.
The elections, originally scheduled for 30 December, were postponed due to the death of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Following student demands, the Syndicate convened an emergency session to reschedule the vote for 6 January, giving students a renewed opportunity to exercise their democratic rights.