A total of 1,162 students on Wednesday collected nomination papers for different positions in the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU).
Among them, 528 are contesting for central positions, and 634 are vying for hall union positions. Additionally, 371 candidates have submitted their nomination papers.
CUCSU Election Secretary AKM Ariful Haque Siddique confirmed the matter on Wednesday.
He explained that last Tuesday was the last day for collecting nomination papers, while Wednesday was the final day for submission. But the BNP student wing, Chhatra Dal, requested an extension for both collecting and submitting nominations.
Based on this request, the Election Commission decided to extend the nomination distribution time until 5pm on Wednesday. The submission deadline has been extended until 5 pm on Thursday.
Regarding nominations for the hall bodies, 13 nominations were submitted for F Rahman Hall, 4 for Alaol Hall, 21 for Atish Dipankar Hall, 27 for Shah Amanat Hall, 23 for Shaheed Abdur Robe Hall, 6 for Shaheed Forhad Hossain Hall, 26 for Shahjalal Hall, 15 for Suhrawardy Hall, 15 for Surya Sen Hall (both male and female), 17 for Bijoy 24 Hall, 24 for Khaleda Zia Hall, 15 for Nawab Faizunnesa Hall, 25 for Preetilata Hall, 9 for Shamsun Nahar Hall, and 6 for Abdur Rashid Hostel.
Earlier on Wednesday, at 11am, Chhatra Dal had submitted a written request to Chief Election Commissioner Prof Monir Uddin, asking for an extension to the nomination collection and submission deadlines.
In their letter, Chhatra Dal expressed their intent to actively participate in the CUCSU elections with general students.
They cited the August 30 and 31 attacks on students by villagers, which left many still recovering in their villages, and ongoing final exams in several departments, making it difficult for many students to complete the nomination collection and submission process in time.
They suggested that extending the deadline by two more days would allow more students to participate in the election process.
Students hope CUCSU will focus on rights
After 35 long years, the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU) election is set to take place at Chittagong University (CU) on October 12, and the campus is buzzing with excitement.
The nomination process is underway, and students’ expectations are rising as the historic polls approach. For the first time in over three decades, CUCSU will hold elections, creating a festive atmosphere on campus.
For the newer generation of students, this will be a unique experience as they have never had the opportunity to witness a CUCSU election before. As a result, curiosity and anticipation are higher than ever.
Students say the return of CUCSU after 35 years is not just about holding an election. It represents a new opportunity to establish their rights. They want CUCSU to become a platform for solving real student issues, rather than being used as a tool for political influence.
Issues like housing shortages, transportation struggles, and poor food quality on campus have been long-standing problems that they hope the elected representatives will address effectively.
Students also hope that CUCSU will not become a political battleground but instead serve as a strong platform for resolving their problems and securing their rights.
Raihan Mia, a third-year student from the Department of Islamic Studies, shared his view, “We want CUCSU to be the voice of students. It should not serve political interests but work as a space for establishing student rights.
“Every time CUCSU has been discussed, allegations of political influence have surfaced. This time, we want the elected representatives to truly stand with the students.”
Ratna Khatun, a student from the Department of Bangla for the 2023-24 academic year, said, “We hope that through CUCSU, the voices of students will be heard. We want representatives who will work for the welfare of students, not for political purposes.”
She added, “The housing crisis is the biggest issue we face. Many of us in the women’s dormitories have to share our rooms. CUCSU should take effective steps to resolve this issue.”
Students commuting from the city face the greatest hardships with transportation. The only means of transport for CU students is the shuttle train.
Shahriar Chowdhury Imon, a third-year student from the Department of International Relations, who commutes daily, said, “We come to class using the shuttle train, but there is no alternative transport.
“The lack of a proper bus service is a daily struggle for us. We often have to squeeze into the shuttle, which is overcrowded. If CUCSU plays a real role, this hardship would significantly reduce.”
Tanvir Ahmed, a student from the Department of Mathematics for the 2021-22 academic year, said, “We want representatives who work for student welfare and ensure safety. We often hear about conflicts between students and locals.
“We hope CUCSU representatives will pay attention to these issues.”
