The Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad (BGCS)-backed panels failed to achieve expected results in the recent student union elections at Dhaka University (DU) and Jahangirnagar University (JU), said Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Platform (NCP), during a coordination meeting held in the capital on Friday.
The meeting, held at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed International Convention Centre, brought together members of the NCP’s central convening committee, student wing leaders, and coordinators from districts, metropolitan cities, upazilas, and police stations.
Describing the outcome as a point for self-reflection, Nahid admitted that the organisation had not become as strong over the past year as it was expected to.
“Despite efforts, we were unable to build the organisational strength we had hoped for due to various instabilities and practical realities,” he said, adding that the experience should be taken as an opportunity for self-criticism and internal evaluation.
Nahid also noted that the restoration of student union elections itself is a significant achievement, particularly at DU and JU, where elections have already taken place. “We must remember, it was the NCP that first raised the demand for student union elections after the mass uprising,” he said.
He stressed that student elections are crucial for ensuring a democratic and safe campus environment, adding, “Students played a vital role during the mass uprising, and it is now essential to ensure their leadership is recognised.”
The meeting also discussed various national issues, including the upcoming parliamentary elections and the possibility of a referendum on constitutional reforms, according to attendees.
