Jahangirnagar University student organisations have called for the immediate announcement of the schedule for the 11th election to the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (Jucsu), as the administration has yet to unveil a roadmap for the polls.
Jucsu activities resumed after a 33-year hiatus with the election held on 11 September 2025.
The elected representatives assumed office on 18 September that year.
Under the Jucsu constitution, the current committee’s term expired on 18 September this year. However, the university administration has not yet announced any schedule or roadmap for the next election, raising uncertainty over the future of the student union.
Leaders of several student organisations said regular elections are necessary to ensure continued student representation and democratic practice on campus. They urged the administration to announce the election schedule without further delay.
Jucsu elections have never been held at regular intervals since Jahangirnagar University was established in 1973. The university has so far held 10 elections, with the latest taking place on 11 September 2025, following a 33-year gap.
Zahir Uddin Babor, convener of the Jahangirnagar University unit of Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal, said they would not object to a fresh election if the allegations of irregularities surrounding the previous polls were resolved and students’ opinions were given due importance.
He said equal opportunities must be ensured for all student organisations throughout the electoral process.
Mazharul Islam, general secretary of the university unit of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, said they had been demanding a roadmap for the 11th Jucsu election since the current committee assumed office.
“We have also discussed the matter with the former and current vice-chancellors,” he said, adding that there was reluctance within the administration to organise the election.
He said they would discuss the issue with other student organisations before announcing programmes over the demand.
Zia Uddin Ayan, president of the university unit of Chhatra Shakti, said obtaining a schedule for the next Jucsu election was one of the key responsibilities of the elected representatives.
“But they failed to fulfil that responsibility,” he said, demanding the immediate announcement of the 11th election schedule to maintain continuity of Jucsu.
Andri Angkur, president of the university unit of Chhatra Union, said the allegations of irregularities and inconsistencies surrounding the previous election must be resolved.
He also called for the publication of a roadmap for the next Jucsu election after discussions with all stakeholders of the university.
When contacted by phone, Jucsu president and university Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Nurul Islam answered the call but declined to comment on the matter.
With no timeline or roadmap announced by the administration even as the current committee’s term is nearing its end, questions have emerged over the future functioning of Jucsu.
Student organisations, meanwhile, are increasingly pressing for an early election.
