As the Chittagong University (CU) Central Students’ Union (Cucsu) election approaches, non-resident students have emerged as the critical factor likely to determine the outcome.
With the election scheduled for October 15, candidates are making the rounds at the city’s key locations such as Shohlshohor Railway Station, aboard shuttle trains, and in various student messes and cottages to secure this significant voter base.
A significant portion of university students resides outside the campus, and their votes are expected to be pivotal in the upcoming election.
According to university records, of the total 27,550 students enrolled, only 15.5% (4,278 students) reside in campus dormitories, while the remaining 84.5% (23,272 students) live outside the university’s residential halls.
This significant imbalance has forced candidates to shift their focus, with non-resident students now receiving far more attention than their on-campus counterparts.
To target non-resident voters, candidates have been using a variety of outreach methods. Posters can be seen on shuttle trains, leaflets are being distributed at Sholoshohor Railway Station, and candidates are personally visiting various student messes and cottages across the city. Additionally, social media campaigns are also in full swing as candidates attempt to connect with this influential voter base.
Shahriar Faruq Omi, an English Department student at CU, emphasised the importance of non-resident students in this year’s Cucsu election: “Non-resident students are the key to this year’s Cucsu election. Since they far outnumber on-campus students, earning their trust could nearly guarantee victory,” he said.
Suboj Ahmed, president of the humanitarian organisation Uttaran Chittagong University, pointed out the different priorities between non-resident and resident students. Non-residents, he explained, are more concerned with issues such as transportation, session delays, security, and tuition fees. In contrast, on-campus students are more focused on issues like food quality, seat allocation, and political influence within the halls.
To address these differing concerns, candidates are tailoring their campaign promises. Non-resident students, who face challenges like transportation and safety concerns, are being offered solutions to improve their daily lives outside the campus. Meanwhile, candidates are also pledging to resolve the issues faced by resident students, including better food quality and improved hall facilities.
The Cucsu election is drawing considerable interest, particularly as it is being held after a long hiatus. The outcome is expected to hinge largely on the non-resident vote, given their substantial numbers and the heightened focus on their issues.
Iffaz Uddin Ahmed, a candidate for the post of general secretary, highlighted his campaign’s emphasis on non-resident students: “Students living outside the campus are our primary target. That’s why we are focusing our campaign efforts on shuttle trains, Sholoshohor Railway Station, and the various messes and cottages across the city,” he explained.
