Candidates from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal-backed panel on Thursday announced their boycott of the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union elections, alleging widespread irregularities and vote manipulation.
The announcement came at a press conference at Maulana Bhashani Hall around 3:45pm, where JCD’s general secretary candidate Tanzeela Hossain Boishakhi, joined by other panel members, declared the withdrawal.
“We were not allowed to enter Tajuddin Ahmed Hall. The voter list contained no photographs. A mob was created at Hall No 21. At Jahanara Imam Hall, an independent candidate was physically assaulted,” Boishakhi said in support of their decision.
She alleged that the election commission had used ballot papers and OMR machines supplied by a firm linked to a Jamaat leader, despite objections from JCD.
“We suspect 10 per cent – 20 per cent of ballots have already been allocated to Shibir. In female halls, the same student was allowed to vote multiple times. Shibir-backed journalists misbehaved with our candidates,” Boishakhi claimed.
Calling the polls “fraudulent and farcical,” Boishakhi said the election had lost neutrality and no longer reflected the students’ mandate.
“We are left with no choice but to boycott,” she declared.
Meanwhile, citing allegations of mismanagement, pro-BNP teacher Nazrul Islam has resigned from his electoral duties. He is expected to hold a press conference soon to provide further details.
Bangla Department Professor Dr Shamima Sultana, another pro-BNP teacher, has also resigned from her electoral duties.
