The student political landscape at Jagannath University (JnU) has undergone a dramatic transformation following the resounding triumph of the ‘Odommo Jobian Oikyo’ (Indomitable Jobian Unity) panel in the Jagannath University Central Student Union (JACSU) elections. The panel, widely recognised as being supported by Islami Chhatra Shibir, secured a comprehensive “clean sweep” of the top executive positions, marking a historic shift in the institution’s student governance.
Official Results and Key Victories
Following a day of intensive polling across 38 designated centres on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, the Chief Election Commissioner, Professor Dr Kaniz Fatema Kakoli, officially announced the results at 11:30 pm. The outcome confirmed that the Shibir-backed alliance had captured the three most prestigious roles: Vice President (VP), General Secretary (GS), and Assistant General Secretary (AGS).
The margin of victory, particularly in the General Secretary race, has stunned political observers. Abdul Alim Arif secured his position with a staggering lead of over 3,000 votes, suggesting a consolidated mandate from the general student body.
Table: JACSU 2026 Election Results – Executive Summary
| Position | Winning Candidate (Odommo Jobian Oikyo) | Votes | Runner-up (Oikyoboddho Nirbhik Jobian) | Votes | Margin |
| Vice President (VP) | Riazul Islam | 5,564 | AKM Rakib (JCD-backed) | 4,688 | 876 |
| General Secretary (GS) | Abdul Alim Arif | 5,470 | Khadijatul Kubra (JCD-backed) | 2,203 | 3,267 |
| Asst. Gen. Sec. (AGS) | Masud Rana | 5,002 | BM Atiqur Tanzil (JCD-backed) | 3,868 | 1,134 |
A Seismic Shift in Campus Politics
The election results represent a significant milestone for student politics in Bangladesh. For decades, the university’s student union had either remained inactive or seen its leadership appointed through non-democratic means. The 2026 polls were seen as a litmus test for student sentiment in a post-reform era.
The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of the BNP, fielded the ‘Oikyoboddho Nirbhik Jobian’ panel, which served as the primary opposition. While their VP candidate, AKM Rakib, put up a respectable fight, the overall results indicate a significant rejection of their platform in favour of the Shibir-backed candidates.
Implications for the Future
The ‘Odommo Jobian Oikyo’ victory signals a revitalisation of organizational strength for Chhatra Shibir at Jagannath University after a long period of operating on the periphery. The peaceful conduct of the election, overseen by university authorities, has been praised as a step forward for campus democracy.
The newly elected JACSU leadership now faces the immense task of delivering on its campaign promises. Key issues on the table include the persistent shortage of student accommodation, the modernization of campus transport, and the protection of students’ academic rights. Political analysts suggest that this victory may serve as a bellwether for upcoming student union elections in other major public universities across the country.