Bangladesh Chhatra Dal (JCD) has welcomed the Election Commission’s decision to defer the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (Cucsu) elections, while Islami Chhatra Shibir has termed the move a conspiracy.
Sajjad Hossain Hridoy, a JCD-backed vice-president candidate for the Cucsu election, said, “Since Chittagong University will remain closed after 25 September. The election deferment has created a more favourable environment for the candidates.”
He, however, noted students’ dissatisfaction over the week-long suspension of examinations and urged the administration to hold tests immediately after the elections.
CU unit Shibir president Mohammad Ali has alleged that there is a conspiracy behind the poll deferment.
“The Puja holidays and BCS exam schedules were already known. Why was October 12 chosen earlier instead of October 15?” he questioned.
He also described the simultaneous deferment of both Cucsu and Rucsu elections as “suspicious”.
Ali further argued that many departments had already rescheduled exams in line with the original poll date and postponing them again would only increase students’ sufferings.
Chittagong University was once known as a stronghold of Shibir in national politics. However, under successive Awami League governments, the group’s leaders and activists were largely unable to organise or conduct political activities openly on the campus.
JCD faced similar restrictions. Following the fall of the Awami League-led government on 5 August 2024, both groups gradually regained visibility, making the upcoming Cucsu polls particularly significant for them.
The EC had earlier announced the Cucsu election schedule on 28 August, setting the voting for October 12. This date has now been deferred to October 15.
A total of 931 candidates submitted nomination papers to contest the Cucsu elections — 429 for 26 Cucsu posts and 481 for 196 hall union posts. On Tuesday, nine candidates withdrew their nominations.
According to the revised schedule, scrutiny of nomination papers was completed on Monday, with a preliminary list of candidates published the same day. Aspirants will be able to withdraw their candidacy until Wednesday, while the final list will be announced on Thursday. Polling will take place on October 15 from 9am to 4pm.
