The Chhatra Dal–backed Oikyaboddho Nirbheek Jobian panel has alleged violations of the election code of conduct and bias at polling centres during the Jnucsu and its hall union elections.
Panel representative AKM Rakib raised the allegations at a press conference on Tuesday morning. He also demanded a proper investigation into the incidents, along with action against those responsible.
He said that, according to clear instructions from the JnU Election Commission, carrying any candidate’s or panel’s token number or ballot list inside the campus was strictly prohibited.
However, from the very beginning, tokens of a particular panel named Odommo Jobian Oikya were seen at various locations across the campus, including inside polling booths.
Rakib alleged that when the matter was brought to the attention of the university’s Election Commission, it initially denied the claims.
Later, after evidence was presented, the commission allowed other panels to use tokens as well. This decision, he said, raised serious questions about the neutrality of officials responsible for conducting the Jnucsu election.
Rakib further claimed that officials at polling centres accepted tokens of a particular panel while showing different behaviour when tokens of other panels were presented.
In some cases, tokens were searched and confiscated, which he alleged “was contrary to the electoral code of conduct.”
“Rules should be equal for everyone. Either all panels must be allowed to carry tokens, or no one should be allowed,” Rakib said at the press conference.
Agents of Rakib’s panel faced various irregularities at the polling centre in the Shaheed Sajid Building, he alleged.
