As the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (Cucsu) election approaches, local units of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami have become deeply involved in their student wings’ campaigns on campus.
Sources within both parties indicate that senior leaders are now directly overseeing and supporting their respective campus wings’ strategies and tactics.
Analysts argue that for the BNP, this election is vital to maintain its political image, particularly after the disappointing performances of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) in the Ducsu and Jucsu elections.
For Jamaat, on the other hand, it offers an opportunity to preserve Islami Chhatra Shibir’s winning streak.
They warn that a poor performance in the Cucsu election could significantly undermine BNP’s influence on university campuses, which are crucial for maintaining political power.
In contrast, a victory for Shibir would strengthen Jamaat’s campus presence and potentially shift the balance of power.
The Cucsu and hall union elections are scheduled to be held on 12 October. The last edition took place in 1990, making this the first election at Chittagong University in 35 years.
BNP aims for a comeback
For the top three posts in the Cucsu elections, the CU JCD has nominated Sajjad Hossain Hridoy for vice president (VP), Md Shafayat for general secretary (GS), and Aiyubur Rahman Taufiq for assistant general secretary (AGS).
Barrister Mir Helal Uddin, BNP joint organising secretary and a key figure in Chattogram politics, is closely guiding the JCD’s Cucsu campaign, aiming for a strong performance in the upcoming polls.
According to Mir Helal, the JCD panel, led by Sajjad and Shafayat, is poised to be the most popular choice on campus.
While talking with TIMES of Bangladesh, he acknowledged the strategic significance of campus elections but emphasised the party’s broader focus on the national political landscape.
“The student union elections are important, but they are just one aspect of the larger national political struggle,” he said. “The BNP remains committed to the people and to addressing the national crisis, as we always have.”
Mir Helal expressed concerns about the flaws in the Ducsu election process, which, he claimed, were exploited by one party. He assured that no such opportunities would arise in the Cucsu elections.
VP candidate Hridoy pointed out that Chhatra Dal’s disappointing performance in Ducsu was a result of irregularities, but he expressed confidence that such issues would not affect Cucsu.
Jamaat seeks to consolidate gains
Riding high on their recent victory in the Ducsu elections, Jamaat views the Cucsu election as the next critical test of its strength.
It’s student wing Shibir is contesting under the Sampritir Shikkharthi Jote panel, which is supported by a robust grassroots network and a coalition of independent candidates.
For the top three positions, the party has nominated Ibrahim Hossain Rony, a central executive member, for VP; CU Shibir Literature Secretary Saeed Bin Habib for GS; and Shahjalal Hall Unit President Sajjad Hossain Munna for AGS.
Mohammad Nurul Amin, general secretary of Jamaat Chattogram City Unit and believed to be overseeing Shibir’s election activities in Cucsu, highlighted the pivotal role students played in the recent political upheaval.
“The results at Dhaka University reflect a clear shift in public sentiment,” he told TIMES of Bangladesh. “Students are seeking leadership that is principled and effective, and our student movement has demonstrated its ability to deliver.”
Aiming to replicate the success seen at Ducsu and Jucsu, Shibir is confident that Chittagong University students will recognise its strength. “We believe the students here will grant their mandate to those who were active in the mass uprising,” Amin added.
For Shibir, the Cucsu election is more than just a student poll—it is seen as a referendum on which party truly represents the country’s future direction.
Shibir’s VP candidate Rony said, “The students’ mandate is a trust. We will place our confidence in those who are trustworthy.”
‘Cucsu polls a test of post-uprising politics’
Political Analyst Ali Ar Razi, assistant professor at the Communication and Journalism Department of the University of Chittagong, said the Cucsu election extends beyond the university as it serves as a crucial indicator of both local and national political trends.
He emphasised that the Cucsu election will test the political strength and popularity of the BNP and Jamaat among the younger generation.
The analyst cautioned that their rivalry could resurface ahead of the national elections, with Jamaat’s growing influence on campus potentially leading to divisions within its rivals.
