Jagannath University has announced 6 January as the revised date for the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (Jnucsu) and hall council elections.
The decision came on Tuesday afternoon at an emergency meeting of the university syndicate.
Earlier in the morning, Vice-Chancellor Professor Rezaul Karim announced the postponement of the elections, citing national mourning over the death of BNP chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia. The announcement immediately sparked protests on campus.
Angry students and candidates staged demonstrations and surrounded the vice-chancellor’s building for several hours, demanding the polls be held as scheduled. In the face of the growing agitation, the university authorities convened another syndicate meeting.
After the meeting, the vice-chancellor addressed the students and confirmed the new date. He said the authorities respected students’ sentiments and acknowledged their demands.
“Due to the prevailing situation, voting was postponed. However, considering the students’ demands, we have fixed a new date at the earliest possible time,” he said. “The Jnucsu and hall council elections will be held on 6 January” he added.
The announcement brought an end to the protests, with students welcoming the revised election schedule.
